Sisters of Christian Charity John Paul Thorley, Josephine Wagner and Maria Pia Arca, from left, made their Final Profession of Vows during a Eucharistic liturgy in the Chapel of Mary Immaculate, Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham, Aug. 15. Bishop James F. Checchio and Bishop Paul Bradley of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan, served as presiding celebrants. See pg. 3. —Dennis Dalelio photo
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The upcoming election will see us here in New Jersey vote for a president, a U.S. senator and all our seats in the U.S. House. Early voting and mail voting start soon. It will be consequential, so it is important to take part in the process! We Catholics make up a large percentage of the state’s population, so we should make sure our voices are heard.
As I travel around to our beautiful parishes and visit with you, our faithful, as well as our clergy and religious, so many express their frustration with the election while also being concerned for the future of our country. As a cleric, it is not my place to tell anyone how to vote, but we clerics are asked to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God’s truth. Our American political system is guided by two major political parties which at times are moving to more extreme positions. It should be clear to any Catholic who is informed by the Church’s teachings that both of them, at times, fail in serious ways to respect and protect human dignity in their positions and platforms. Too often, we allow ourselves to be democrats or republicans first, and Catholics second. That way of prioritizing our values and forming our conscience is a scourge upon authentic Catholic living.
With some of the policies and platforms that have been adopted, it can be difficult for Catholics to choose a party
and to be comfortable in it. While everyone is free to be a member of the political party of their choice, our political responsibility requires of us that we should work to form, and respectfully criticize where necessary, the stances of these parties that are inconsistent with Catholic social teaching. Indeed, sometimes criticism of one’s own party is more effective than criticism of the “other” one. We should make sure our voices and concerns are heard and heard clearly. Respectfully expressing our disagreements on certain issues with our preferred candidate is important, too, if we want to try to move the marker on some issues.
A helpful resource available to you regarding how we should engage in political discourse is “Civilize It”, an initiative of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). “Civilize It” is a roadmap to accepting Jesus’ invitation to follow the example of the Good Samaritan, who challenges us to become neighbors to all, while seeking the truth, building bridges, and finding solutions together that promote the common good. Check it out at: https://njcatholic.org/civilize-it.
Voting is an opportunity to love our neighbors by electing candidates who will enact laws that protect the vulnerable, strengthen families, promote conditions for all to flourish and ensure that all citizens can practice their faith without fear of punishment. The responsibility to make choices in elections rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience, but our participation in political life should go well beyond casting a vote in a particular election.
The dignity and value of every human person is at the heart of the Good News, and we are called to live and share “the Gospel of fraternity and justice” (The Joy of the Gospel, n. 179). The “Gospel of fraternity and justice” com-
If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you know of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to local law enforcement, the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 (TTY/TDD for the deaf), and also the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a week).
pels us to stand up to defend and protect the dignity of all human life, especially the unborn. We do this by working to promote the sanctity of human life, praying for an end to abortion, providing real help and encouragement to mothers and families in difficult situations, and supporting policies and programs that do the same.
It also means standing up and working for the elderly, the sick and those with disabilities. We must see that the rhetoric surrounding assisted suicide and euthanasia is a counterfeit and misguided notion of compassion that must be rejected. We must work for justice for immigrants who flee desperation and violence in their homelands while also working to eradicate racism from our midst. We must never grow indifferent to the plight of the hopeless caught in the destructive cycle of addictions and mental health challenges, which plague our modern society particularly after our recent pandemic. It means standing up and protecting the environment and world God Himself created, and also working for people living in poverty, struggling for food, shelter and even health care in the midst of a world of wealth and abundance. We must never forget that the Gospel of Jesus reminds us “Whatever you do to the least of my people, you do to me.” (Matthew 25:40) We need to elect government officials who protect our precious religious freedom, so that we can continue to freely live our beliefs and values which at times are challenged by policies coming from our government.
Our election gives us an opportunity to research the candidates and issues and to learn about Catholic social teaching. The seven principles of Catholic social teaching can serve as a guideline when deciding on which candidates and issues to support – life and dignity of the human person; the call to family, community and participation; rights and responsibilities; the option for the poor and vulnerable, the dignity of work and the rights of workers; and care for God’s creation.
The bishops of the United States have stressed that it is important to note that we cannot place all these issues in these different areas on the same level because certain issues deal with “intrinsic evil” which must always be opposed, while others do not. Some actions are always incompatible with the love of God and neighbor. Whereas there can be varying solutions to health care, immigration and welfare; there can be no debate on the admissibility of actions such as abortion, euthanasia or genocide because such acts involve the intentional taking of innocent life.
While we are called to always avoid evil, we are also called to do good. Therefore, Catholics are encouraged to
consider the wide range of issues important to the Church, to avoid acting as single-issue voters, and to weigh each issue according to its moral importance. The New Jersey Catholic Conference has compiled an excellent resource for those who would like to learn about issues important to the Church on the website: https://www.njcatholic.org/overview. Here you can access information on issues such as respect life, family life, social concerns and education, each of which contains several specific topics. It is a place where you can obtain up-todate information on key issues and sign up to receive legislative action alerts so that you can be an active faithful citizen year round.
I ask you to study the issues and then pray to Jesus for guidance. The candidate’s positions can be found on their website. Your vote is a matter of your informed conscience. As serious disciples of Christ it is our responsibility to become aware of the candidates/platforms and to view them in light of the Gospel truth found in Catholic social teaching. While this election is frustrating in many ways because we may see no “perfect” candidate, we must not allow our emotions to override our reason. At the end of the day, our real joy and peace must be found in being faithful in the eyes of the Lord, regardless of an election outcome. I have been heartened by the interest our faithful have shown in wanting to do the right thing with this coming election and pray we will all avail ourselves of the resources which can help us in making the best choice at the ballot box. Likewise I pray that you make your voices, informed by the Gospel, heard by our elected officials; they should not take us for granted.
My friends in Christ, it is not the Church’s place to tell you how to vote, but every Catholic has a right, responsibility and obligation to properly form their conscience before they vote. All we ask, in the spirit of Faithful Citizenship, is to take some time to understand the issues most important in this year’s elections, contemplate how they relate to our faith, and finally, cast your ballot.Know of my love, prayers and gratitude for you, even as I ask you to pray for me, and remember, Catholics have a strong voice in New Jersey. Let us use it! God bless you and our beloved country!
Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen
the Catholic community in Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties
Catholic Spirit, P.O. Box 191, Metuchen, NJ 08840, Phone: (732) 529-7934, Fax: (732) 562-0969, e-Mail: news@catholicspirit.com
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On Aug. 15 Sisters of Christian Char ity, John Paul Thorley, Maria Pia Arca, and Josephine Wagner made their Final Profession of Vows during a Eucharistic liturgy in the Chapel of Mary Immaculate, Mallinckrodt Convent, Mendham.
Bishop James F. Checchio and Bish op Paul Bradley of the Diocese of Ka lamazoo, Michigan, served as presiding celebrants. The Sisters made their vows into the hands of Sister Maria del Rosario Castro, general superior of the Sisters of Christian Charity, who also prepared them during their Tertianship in Germany.
Sister John Paul was born in Aiken, S.C. and grew up in Bethlehem, Pa. Sister was a math teacher at Assumption College for Sisters and Morris Catholic High School in Denville. Currently, she serves in SCC Congregational Schools in Argentina, South America, where she organizes retreats and spirituality days and moderates a math club and other campus ministries activities.
Sister Maria Pia was born in Tarma, Peru. Her ministries include: CNA at Mallinckrodt Convent; director of student services at Assumption College for Sisters in Denville, and immigration counselor at Catholic Charities in the Diocese.
Sister Josephine Wagner was born in Allentown, Pa. She has served as a CNA at Little Flower Manor and a preschool aide at St. Nicholas School in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Sister was also a preschool teacher at St. James School, Basking Ridge, and will now teach first grade at Good Shepherd Catholic School, Northampton, Pa.
Jacob Miller, a seminarian for the Diocese who recently began studies in Rome, greets Pope Francis during the Holy Father’s recent private audience with seminarians of the Pontifical North American College. He is beginning his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Bishop James F. Checchio welcomed Jacob to the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders July 16 in St. Bartholomew Church, East Brunswick.
© Vatican Media
Corrections:
• In the August issue of The Catholic Spirit, the photo in the article on pg. 37 about Dr. Michael Vardy was incorrectly identified with the words “Caption placeholder.”
• In the same issue, on pg. 8, Father John Hillier’s column, Journey of Faith, was incorrectly identified as Article 188, instead of Article 189.
Dr. Michael Vardy
• And, on pg. 21, Very Reverend Jonathan Toborows ky’s name was spelled incorrectly in the byline of his Eucharistic Congress reflection, “Taking the zeal of the Eucharist into the world.”
The Catholic Spirit apologies for these errors.
By Jill Kerekes, Special Contributor
St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish in Flemington was bustling with activity on Aug. 13 and 14 as the parish hosted three launch events for the Diocese of Metuchen’s partnership with the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. This partnership allows for unlimited access to the Catechetical Institute’s online formation platform: Franciscan at Home. This unique on-line platform, which offers formation resources “for those who form others,” is tailored to the formation of adults serving in parish ministry.
With a focus upon pastoral accompaniment, mentorship and the kerygmatic approach, Franciscan at Home is designed to serve as “a balm” for parish priests to fulfill adult formation needs in parishes, as Dr. Bill Keimig, deputy director of the Catechetical Institute, explained to the 30 priests at the launch event for priests on Aug. 13.
Referencing his experience as a Navy seaman, Dr. Keimig compared the structure of the Church to the structure of the Navy. He explained in detail that the Navy is able to operate world-class vessels almost exclusively at the hands of very young adults because of the specific training and guidance supplied by the ranks of the enlisted. Each enlisted rank has specific training and oversight responsibilities associated with it that contribute to the smooth and steady operation of each vessel by what seems to most as young and inexperienced seamen. The Catechetical Institute exists to serve the Church in a manner similar to the ranks of enlisted in the Navy, providing minis-
try formation to those that are ‘operating’ the Church much like the young seamen operate the Naval vessels.
In particular, as Dr. Keimig explained to the 40 deacons at the evening launch event for deacons, also on Aug. 13, the Franciscan at Home workshops are thoughtfully constructed to address the pastoral aspects of parish ministry. The skills needed to foster the relational, soul-to-soul interactions that are at the heart of parish ministry are generally lacking in other formation resources and formal academic programs. The workshops found on the Franciscan at Home platform are designed to satisfy the need for the development of these skills.
As Dr. Stella Marie Jeffrey, strategic partnership liaison fellow for the Catechetical Institute, guided ministry leaders through some of the practical aspects of the Franciscan at Home platform during the Aug. 14 day-long launch event, a creative approach to the use of the platform was emphasized. Rather than use the workshops of the platform exclusively in a one-on-one electronic, learner-mentor model, Dr. Jeffrey encouraged the usage of the workshops in small groups. Dr. Keimig later expounded, “The best fruit in the over 130 dioceses that use this platform in the United States has been realized when the workshops are used in small groups.” It is in the small group scenario that optimal adult relational learning takes place. This mode of learning has been shown to cultivate authentic growth, facilitate long-term formation retention, and build authentic Christ centered communities that maintain well beyond the typical six- to eight-week parish adult faith formation program.
Rather than ‘power through’ the over 200 workshops, wade through the multitude of webinars, and read the countless issues of the Catechetical Review available on the Franciscan at Home platform, both Dr. Keimig and Dr. Jeffrey urged ministry leaders to identify their ministry urgencies and the greatest needs of those that they lead. Whether a leader has been given a new responsibility with OCIA, a new catechist has come on board and needs some basic formation, or a deacon is in need of some formation specific to Youth Ministry, addressing urgencies and greatest needs as an entry into use of the platform is highly recommended.
Under the diocesan partnership agreement with the Catechetical Institute, individuals in the Diocese of Metuchen are free to explore and use all of the
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1. Dr. Bill Keimig, deputy director of the Catechetical Institute of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, addresses a full house of parish ministry leaders during the day-long launch Aug. 14 of the formation platform, “Franciscan at Home.”
2. Parish ministers, responsible for myriad ministries within a parish, were encouraged by presenters to engage in workshops using a small group model which produces the best relational learning.
—Hal Brown photos
resources offered on the Franciscan at Home platform at no cost. Many ministry specific workshops and sets of workshops, or ‘tracks,’ are available, including: parish catechetical leader workshops, parish catechist workshops, Catholic school teacher and administrator workshops, OCIA workshops, youth ministry and young adult workshops, parenting workshops, ongoing deaconate formation workshops, and workshops for marriage ministry and adult faith formation. In addition, many workshops are available in Spanish and workshops are currently being developed in other ministry areas, including priestly renewal workshops and diocesan official workshops.
The enthusiasm in the room at each of the launch events was apparent on the many faces of the attendees. As one participant at the Aug. 14 event expressed, “I can’t believe we have this! This is an answer to many prayers for me and for my parish.”
To find out more about Franciscan at Home, contact Jill Kerekes, diocesan director of the Office of Discipleship Formation for Children: jkerekes@diometuchen.org.
3, 4. Bishop James F. Checchio speaks with some of the 30 priests gathered Aug. 13 in St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, for the launch event for priests of the “Franciscan at Home” platform, meant to help fulfill
6. Some 40 deacons take notes during Dr. Keimig’s presentation of the Franciscan at Home initiative during the evening launch event for deacons, Aug. 13.
7. Modeling the small group scenar-
nity to discuss the new pilot platform that has been shown to cultivate
“ IT IS IN THE SMALL GROUP SCENARIO THAT OPTIMAL ADULT RELATIONAL LEARNING TAKES PLACE. THIS MODE OF LEARNING HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CULTIVATE AUTHENTIC GROWTH, FACILITATE LONGTERM FORMATION RETENTION, AND BUILD AUTHENTIC CHRIST-CENTERED COMMUNITIES ... ”
By Mary Morrell, Editor-in-Chief
As Archbishop Martin Kivuva of the Archdiocese of Mombasa, Kenya, entered the dining room of the Embassy Suites Hotel in Piscataway Aug. 8, he immediately did what most of his brothers and sisters there were doing – he danced, and the joy of the community was obvious, not only on that evening but throughout the three days of the 13th Annual Kenyan Catholic Community of America Convention and Swahili Mass.
The theme of the convention, which ran from the evening of Aug. 8 through Aug. 11, was “Let Love be Genuine. Avoid What is Evil, Hold on to What is Good.”
Father Alphonsus Kariuki, pastor, St. John Parish, Dunellen, and diocesan co-coordinator of the Kenyan Apostolate, explained that the first Kenyan Catholic Community of America gathering had its beginnings in the Diocese of Metuchen, and is now hosted annually by different Kenyan communities across the U.S. “This year it came back to where it started, and we are happy to have successfully hosted it again,” said Father Kariuki.
“We are very grateful to Bishop James Checchio and our Vicar General
Jonathan Toborowsky for coordinating with Father Jerome Johnson in order to get us that beautiful and welcoming venue of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Old Bridge,” he acknowledged.
The event, which started with the Bishop’s Dinner on Aug. 8, continued on Friday, Aug. 9, which was, explained Father Kariuki, “a day of learning our Catholic faith. We started at 8 a.m. by dividing attendees into different groups, adults, youth and children, and had presenters for different topics. That is why we needed a venue with large multiple halls where we could put these different groups to learn at the same time. The day ended with a healing Mass at 6 p.m.”
Saturday served as the climax of the convention with Mass presided over by Archbishop Kivuva. The Mass was followed by dinner in the social hall of St. Thomas Church. “The participants were many more than we had anticipated. We were expecting about 350 people, but we had more than 800. Fortunately, both the Church and Hall were large enough to accommodate us,” said Father Kariuki.
Dr. Maria Kioko, founding member of the Kenyan Catholic Community, chairperson of the Catholic Women As-
joy,
sociation N.J. Chapter, and 2024 chair of the N.J. organizing committee for the annual KCCA Convention and Mass, described the undertaking as “indeed, a huge task,” one she approached “by trusting in the Lord that this is his work and I am only an instrument. … Today, I feel such a great sense of pride in being a Kenyan Catholic and proclaiming, “Come see what he has done!”
Reflecting on large number of participants who came from across the country, Dr. Kioko said, “The people in attendance surpassed what we expected, the finance donation surpassed what we expected, the blessings surpassed what we expected. I can’t say more other than pray to God for my limited human expectation and remind myself to ‘Let God Be God.’ This was beyond what we planned, we surpassed ourselves and people dedicated all they have and give it to the Lord and He multiplied it in hundreds!”
Ambassador Serah Munyiri, originally from Kenya, has lived in the U.S. for 25 years, currently serving as diaspora Honorary Deputy Ambassador for the County of Nyeri, Kenya. Ambassador Munyiri also served under Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski in the African and
Caribbean Apostolate.
Ambassador Munyiri explained that the Kenyan Catholic Community in America (KCCA) was started to meet an evangelization need within Kenyan Catholics in America. “Prior to KCCA starting, Kenyans in various states had Small Christian Communities (Jumuiya); these are prayer groups that meet regularly to pray the Rosary, share the word of God, encourage, and support each other’s faith.”
Over the years, stressed Ambassador Munyiri, the annual convention has been a great source of evangelization, serving often as a catalyst in bringing back those who may have moved away from their Catholic faith and leading them to back to church.
“Many Catholic Christians tend to attend the non-denominational churches when they migrate to the U.S. due to lack of community within the Catholic Church. The KCCA convention brings [them] together and strengthens the communities within the hosting state and beyond. This convention also brings our youth and children together to learn about faith, African saints and how they, also, can serve the Church,” she said.
Looking back on the event, Dr. Kio-
ko reflected, “My most honest thoughts are that we were on the right track right from the beginning. We received incredible support from the Diocese of Metuchen. They agreed to host us and they helped us to find the location … I think they threw open the floodgates of heaven and blessings poured out on to us! From the depth of my heart I am so, so, so grateful to the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle for accepting to host us.”
Dr. Kioko also recounted the powerful homily of Archbishop Kivuva, who “touched on our accepting God’s message so that God can use us as we are. He referenced the session on Adoration the previous day and the opportunity to speak to Jesus directly through the Eucharist and hear what He is telling us or guiding us to do. We hear the message of Jesus and walk our faith in different ways; through prayer, through the sacraments, through works of mercy and through our different talents that we have displayed here at KCCA. Through Baptism we are made one big family to share our talents and treasures and based on what he was seeing today this is a warm community that is sharing what Christ has given each of us to further his Kingdom.”
“ I CAN’T SAY MORE, OTHER THAN PRAY TO GOD FOR MY LIMITED HUMAN EXPECTATION AND REMIND MYSELF TO ‘LET GOD BE GOD.’”
5. Kenyan faithful share in a powerful experience of Adoration and Eucharistic Healing, one of many opportunities for prayer and praise during the four days of the KCCA Convention. 6. KCCA officials enjoy time at the women’s session, one of many seminars scheduled for various groups during the Day of Reflection, Aug. 9, including catechetical sessions for children, teens and young adults. A variety of speakers led participants through inspirational and motivational experiences.
7. Men from the
were among participants in the
recently
Paragraphs 2855-2856
How many recall the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field”? The story is about Homer Smith, a wandering African American ex-GI played by Sidney Poitier, encountering a group of German immigrant nuns in Arizona. The nuns convince Homer to build them a chapel, but what is equally memorable is the gospel folk song that Poitier teaches the nuns called “Amen.” Most who watch “Lilies of the Field” will forever recall the refrain from this folk song, a traditional spiritual written by African American composer and actor Jester Hairston: “A-men, A-men, A-men, A-men, A-men.”
Ordinarily, when we pray the Lord’s Prayer or most any prayer, we finish with the word “Amen” (derived from the Hebrew āmēn). We are also familiar with this term because in the Gospels it is often used as an introduction to solemn statements spoken by Jesus. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), “Amen” is invoked 52 times. In the Gospel of Saint John, it is used 25 times. In English, the word has two primary pronunciations: ah-men or ey-men.
Throughout the Gospels, the word “Amen” is sometimes used as a declaration to express the equivalent of “truly” or “verily” as in, for example, when Jesus says: “Amen, Amen, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life” (John 5:24). In other places, the word “Amen” is used at the end of a prayer to communicate a person’s or group’s assent to the words invoked in the prayer. “Amen” in this case means to concur, to ratify, to approve warmly or to believe.
At times, the word “Amen” means “so be it” or “let it be so,” declaring
something to be truthful or as a means of confirmation. Such is the case at the end of the Lord’s Prayer when the word “Amen” is invoked. It is also sometimes used to suggest that someone agrees with a statement or an idea put forward. The response might be “Amen to that” or “Can I get an Amen?” Stereotypically, we often expect a Baptist or Born-Again Christian minister to invoke the words “can I get an Amen” when preaching in order to engage the congregation in a back-and-forth affirmation of the sermon being preached.
“Amen” is also invoked throughout the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Just prior to praying the Lord’s Prayer, the Liturgy calls for the “Great Amen” at the conclusion of the doxology in which we pray: “Through Him, and with Him, and in Him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, forever and ever. Amen.” The “Amen” at the conclusion of this prayer is not only an affirmation of faith, a way to say “Yes”, but also “Praise God our Savior!” It indicates that this doxology sums up the entire Eucharistic Prayer and directs our attention to the truth that all glory and honor be given to God through the One Sacrifice of Christ offered in the Eucharist.
Following this Doxology (from the Greek doxologia, which means “glorifying” or “praising” God), with the accompanying “Great Amen” in the Liturgy, comes the Lord’s Prayer, with the final
doxology: “For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are Yours, now and forever.” This doxology “takes up again … the first three petitions to our Father – the glorification of His name, the coming of His reign, and the power of His saving Will. But these prayers are now proclaimed as adoration and thanksgiving, as in the liturgy of Heaven” (CCC 2855).
The next prayer spoken by the priest, based on Titus 2:13, is called the “embolism” because it develops the last petition of the Lord’s Prayer: “Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, and grant us peace in our day. In Your mercy keep us free from sin and protect us from all anxiety as we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.” This is followed directly by the response, the doxology well known among Protestant Christians as the concluding words of the Lord’s Prayer. Both priest and laity speak these words: “For the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are Yours now and forever. Amen.”
Just a little later in the Liturgy, when we come forward to receive Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ, we also respond “Amen,” which means “I believe.” The final “Amen” at every Mass follows the blessing by the priest: “May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The congregation responds: “Amen.”
The Catechism goes on to explain, borrowing the words of Saint Cyril of Je-
rusalem (315-386), early Church bishop, theologian and Doctor of the Church: “… after the prayer [spoken by the priest] is over you say ‘Amen,’ which means ‘So be it,’ thus ratifying with our ‘Amen’ what is contained in the prayer that God has taught us” (CCC 2856). “By [this] final ‘Amen,’ we “express our ‘fiat’ concerning the seven petitions: ‘So be it’” (CCC 2865).
With this article number 190, I conclude the task of explaining each of the paragraphs in the Universal Catechism of the Catholic Church.
My work on the Universal Catechism of the Catholic Church continues to be a most memorable period in my life which began when the then Archbishop of New York, John Cardinal O’Connor, invited me to help preview the French draft of the new Catechism. Although this humongous project was initiated by Pope John Paul II, he worked closely with Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) who was clever in seeking input from theologians worldwide to contribute their expertise toward the final Catechism draft. It was and remains a great privilege to be counted among those theologians who contributed to this work for Christ and His Church. Amen!
Father Hillier serves as diocesan director, Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Office for Persons with Disabilities and Censor Luborum.
Loving Father, we pray today for our catechists. We thank you for their gift of ministry in your Church.
Grant them your wisdom that they may grow in the understanding and teaching of your Word. Grant them also your love that they may be fruitful heralds of your Word and lead others to love you.
Pour forth your Holy Spirit upon them to grant them wisdom about what is important; knowledge of the truths of faith; understanding of their meaning; right judgement about how to apply them in life; courage to persevere even in the face of adversity; reverence before all that is sacred and holy; and that loving zeal which leads others to a transforming encounter with your Son.
We pray this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Father Glenn Comandini, diocesan coordinator of the Office of Ongoing Faith Formation, addresses some 60 participants during the first of a 15-part series on “The Documents of Vatican II.” —Robert Christie photos
The Second Vatican Council, held from 1962 to 1965, is one of the most controversial events in recent Church history. To better understand the work of the Council and its effects on the ensuing 59 years, the diocesan Office of Ongoing Faith Formation is offering a 15-week course examining the four major documents of the Council: Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), Dei Verbum (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation), Sacrosanctum Concilium (Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy) and Gaudium et Spes (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church in the Modern World).
The course is expertly presented by Father Glenn Comandini, diocesan coordinator, Office of Ongoing Faith Formation. Attended by some 60 registrants, he opened the first session on Sept. 5 with an overview of the Council and the first document of the course, Lumen Gentium, which he described as “the crowning achievement of the Council, embodying its nature and purpose.” Since the Protestant Reformation more than 400 years earlier, the Church was primarily on the defensive. Lumen Gentium changed this stance.
Father Comandini noted that while the first draft expressed an “initial opening to ecumenism,” Emile-Joseph de Smedt, Bishop of Bruges, Belgium, claimed it had “a defensive preoccupation with Church structure, was too juridical, obsessed with roles, reeked of triumphalism, and overlooked spirituality, and thus a radical revision was necessary.” As a result of this and other criticisms, the first draft was scuttled as the second year of the Council began in 1963.
The second draft saw a remarkable shift in tone from Church militant to Church as mystery. Novel concepts emerged, such as collegialism and the
St. Matthias Parish, Somerset, will host “Catholic Social Teaching in the Public Square: Election 2024 Reflection Series” on four consecutive Thursday evenings (Sept. 19 and 26, Oct. 3 and 10) from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in the John XXIII Room.
Led by the parish’s Racial Justice Initiative, the 90-minute sessions will examine politics in America with a focus on responsibilities as dictated by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. Each session will consist of prayer, a discussion of Catholic Social Teaching principles, informative videos on pertinent topics, reflection and discussion:
Session 1: Human Dignity – voting rights and criminal justice reform; Session 2: The Common Good – healthcare equity and environmental justice; Session 3: Subsidiarity – education equality and economic justice, and Session 4: Solidarity – gun violence and Christian Nationalism.
recent modern concept of the magisterium, the teaching authority of the Church, consisting of the Pope and the bishops. Also, the role of the permanent deacon, suppressed for 800 years, was revived.
The Council composed its final draft in 1964, locating the Church in its proper place. The document proclaimed that the Church is a sacrament, in that it points to something greater than itself: that Christ is the primordial sacrament, the visible sign of Jesus who is no longer visible. Importantly, the Church flows out of the life of the Blessed Trinity, and the Church of Christ subsists in the Catholic Church, but not exclusively. The People of God are on a journey, and they possess the “sense of the faithful,” an intuitive grasp of truth through its charisms, which differentiates the Petrine/hierarchical from the Pauline/charismatic view of the Church, which together make up the full Church. This gave birth to the charismatic movement and also ushered in the catechumenate.
Father Comandini noted that an underlying optimism generated these changes, especially that of the salvation of all who strive to live a good life, regarding which “Pope Francis is on target,” he said.
Chapter 3 included the most debated issue of the document, the nature of the bishops. The notion of collegiality of the bishops was addressed at length, while also affirming the direct linkage to the selection of the twelve Apostles headed by Peter.
The question and answer period led to vibrant exchanges. Susan Kwiatkowski from Immaculate Conception Parish in Annandale addressed some of the liturgical changes of the Council, which many considered “shocking.” Also, the opening to non-Catholics was striking, she continued. “I remember in the 1950’s we were never to go into a Protestant
In their document entitled “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) states, “As a nation, we share many blessings and strengths, including a tradition of religious freedom and political participation. However, as a people, we face serious challenges that are both political and moral. This has always been so, and as Catholics we are called to participate in public life in a manner consistent with the mission of our Lord, a mission that he has called us to share. … Any politics of human dignity must seriously address issues of racism, poverty, hunger, employment, education, housing and health care.”
St. Matthias Parish is located at 168 JFK Blvd., Somerset. Please note that the sessions will be strictly non-partisan and focused solely on issues as they pertain to social justice. All are welcome.
‘Blessed are the Peacemakers’
A special webinar helps Catholics prepare for upcoming election
The New Jersey and Pennsylvania Catholic Conferences will host a Faithful Citizenship webinar on the upcoming election on Wednesday October 9 at 6:30 p.m. The webinar will focus on how Catholics play a vital role in restoring civility in public discourse.
Panelists include James J. King, NJCC; Emily Schumacher-Novak, USCCB, and Eric Failing, PCC.
To register visit bit.ly/46ZEW3F or scan code. Space is limited.
church,” Kwiatkowski said.
Joe and Sharyn Szulczewski commented that “many ultra-conservatives don’t accept the changes of Vatican II and insist on going back” to the former ways. Father Comandini noted that these “marvelous documents often aren’t being implemented in parishes. Misinterpretations of Vatican II are incredible.”
However, an attendee from the Byzantine Catholic Church said that he was pleased that some changes, such as liturgy in the vernacular and the role of the permanent deacon, which are long-standing tradi-
tions in the Eastern Church, have now been implemented in the Roman Church. Those who wish to register for these highly educational classes geared for the layperson can do so at diometuchen.org. The program runs from Thursday, Sept. 5 through Dec. 19. Sessions are from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the St. John Neuman Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway. The fee is $35, which includes a copy of “The Documents of Vatican II.” For questions, contact Angela Marshall, at 732-562-1543 or amarshall@ diometuchen.org.
in Central America. On arrival, a young girl quickly directed him to the village center and excitedly pointed out a newly installed water spigot. Until the previous week, all water used by the inhabitants had to be transported from a nearby lake. The village – the entire village – now had a single source of running water. Eventually, the little girl asked my friend if his village had such a spigot? He was too embarrassed to tell her that he had seven at his house. The availability of clean water is one of the serious problems for mankind.
My friend’s experience comes to mind when reading Pope Francis’ encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” (“Praise be to you”). In it, the Pope discusses, among many environmental issues, the worldwide shortage of fresh drinking water which, as he emphasizes, is critical for all life. He points out that the demand for water far exceeds supply in many places, while in others it is plentiful: “Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor who lack access to drinking water. … This debt can be paid partially by an increase in funding to provide clean water and sanitary services among the poor” (No. 30).
merely one of many self-caused ecological issues facing mankind. The cartoon character Pogo would describe the situation thus: “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
The plight of the planet is largely our doing and should be regarded as among the most serious issues confronting every citizen, but it is not. In the grand scheme of things, man’s harmful impact on creation is not well understood, much less acknowledged by the ordinary person. One who continues the clarion call about this situation and of our sin against creation is Pope Francis. There is no more fervent advocate calling for the protection and caring of the earth than the Pope.
Nine years ago, he wrote the extensive, 42,000-word encyclical, “Laudato Si’.” in which he cautions that we must change how we deal with creation both as individuals and as a world community. Last year, he wrote a follow-up apostolic exhortation, “Laudate Deum” (“Praise God”), to further underscore the call. While the encyclical delineates many environmental problems, causes and suggested solutions, more than anything the Pope is touting us to be attentive, to wake up to the ongoing defacement we
ed out: “The world has enough resources to meet everyone’s need, but not enough to match everyone’s greed.”
Following the issuance of the 2015 papal encyclical, the Church proclaimed that a special celebration for creation would be held every year from the beginning of September until the feast of St. Francis, Oct. 4. The time is designated as one of intense prayer and thanksgiving; it is a special opportunity to be aware of, to focus on, to be attentive to God’s gift of creation and to commit to ways we can protect this gift. It is a time to remind ourselves of our responsibility toward the future of the planet.
The Season of Creation calls for us to pray together as one human family, praying that the Holy Spirit provides us needed wisdom, that through his awesome power we collectively find ways to protect the planet and begin to slow the decay that man has imposed.
Pope Francis repeatedly speaks out as one of the few truly international figures who constantly warns of our need to take care of creation. Unfortunately, much of mankind has not yet received the memo. Here then is an opportunity
A man uses a telescope to observe the full moon, known as the “Super Flower Moon,” as it rises over Arguineguín, Spain, May 26, 2021. —OSV News photo/Borja Suarez, Reuters
for the parish, a place where commonsense actions can mitigate some of the environmental damage being done.
Some actions? Words from the pulpit, leadership through groups such as the parish council looking for ways to educate parishioners and defining positive steps ordinary Catholics can take to protect the planet.
There are numerous sources of information on how to align with and better understand the pleas of Pope Francis: “Laudato Si’” can be found at numerous websites. Information on the Season of Creation is found, among many sources, at seasonofcreation.org and laudatosimovement.org. Study guides on the Pope’s encyclical and environmental issues are plentiful, including at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ website, usccb.org.
This is not an easy task: changing habits, changing attitudes and changing hearts never is.
WASHINGTON (OSV News) – A “true Eucharistic experience” recommits the faithful to the care of God’s creation, said two U.S. Catholic bishops in a joint message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. The annual observance, which takes place Sept. 1, and which began among the various Orthodox churches, was endorsed by Pope Francis in 2015.
In June, the Pope announced the theme for this year’s day of prayer would be “Hope and Act with Creation.” That message “resonates deeply with the Catholic community” in the U.S., which “continues to experience the joy” of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis in July, said Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic
Arch-eparchy of Philadelphia and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan of the St. Louis-based Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, in their message. The bishops stressed that, “we are not left to our own devices” in healing the ravages of environmental exploitation or the ravages of sin on the human condition as a whole, since “God is with us.” Rebuilding a broken world “can only happen in continuity with the first edifice, which has Jesus Christ as the cornerstone, the rock that holds everything together,” said the bishops. “The Eucharist assures us that “Jesus chose to remain with us in a specific and concrete way, in his Body and Blood. …So let us go forth, with hope, to care for all of God’s creation.”
Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Arch-eparchy of Philadelphia, delivers the homily during Holy Qurbana July 20 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis during the National Eucharistic Congress. Archbishop Gudziak co-authored a letter ahead of the Season of Creation, which begins Sept. 1, writing, “Care for creation is constitutive of the Christian life.” —OSV News photo/Bob Roller
On Sunday, October 20, at the noon Mass, St. Augustine of Canterbury Church cordially invites the people of the Diocese of Metuchen to celebrate the blessing of the Papal Zucchetto worn by St. John Paul II every day.
Veneration of the 1st Class Relic of St. John Paul II’s blood will take place at the conclusion of the Mass of Celebration with the blessing of the Zucchetto.
“You are a parish first of all thanks to the fact that Christ is here, among you, with you, in you.”
- ST. JOHN PAUL II
45 Henderson Road, Kendall Park, NJ 08824
Boy and Girl Scouts from the Diocese of Metuchen were honored May 17 for their achievements during the 20232024 school year at the annual Scouting Mass Celebration in St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.
Members of the Boy Scouts of America received one of two different awards: the Ad Altare Dei (To the Altar of God) emblem and the Pope Pius XII medal. The Ad Altare Dei award, designed for scouts in grades seven to 12, leads youth to encounter the seven sacraments through a series of gatherings, field trips, service projects and personal activities. This past year’s recipients completed five service projects; attended an all-day retreat on the Real Presence of the Eucharist and visited Seton Hall’s Immaculate Conception Seminary for a tour, discussion and dinner with diocesan seminarians.
Ad Altare Dei recipients included Anthony Maria, John Maria, Henry Moran and Cristiano Vitorino of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, and Jonathan Thomas of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church, Somerset.
To earn the Pope Pius XII medal, Joshua Mild of St. Joseph, Bound Brook, explored living as a Catholic young adult in potential career choices, life choices, parish life and community involvement. Additionally, the high-school age boys researched and presented on both sides of a “current events” topic of Catholic interest using resources from the Catholic Catechism, encyclicals and the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops.
Both the Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII programs involve youth-toyouth discussion and evangelization. Cub Scout religious medals are family/ home centered and include the Light of Christ for grades one and two and the Parvuli Dei (Child of God) for grades three through five.
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Lift Up Your Soul at the tranquil 150-acre Fatima Shrine. Host Your Retreat for Youth, Couples, Parish or Vocational Group.
MOUNT ST. MARY HOUSE OF PRAYER
SAN ALFONSO RETREAT HOUSE
755 Ocean Avenue, Long Branch NJ 07740 732-222-2731 • info@sanalfonsoretreats.org www.sanalfonsoretreats.org
A Redemptorist Spiritual Center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean offering preached retreats, days of prayer and use of the facility for outside groups.
Further info about both the Boy Scout medals/emblems and over 50 religious activity patch programs can be found at catholicscouting.org. or by contacting Nora Burke Klippstein at 908735-9520 or klipclan@gmail.com.
Girl Scouts of the Diocese were recipients of the “I Live My Faith” award including Genevieve Tkacs of Immaculate Conception School, Somerville, and for “Mary, the First Disciple award, Gabriella Tkacs and Audrey Tozzi of Immaculate Conception and Giuliana Pinzon of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.
The award recipients were honored for their demonstrated commitment to faith, service and responsible community participation. The two awards are organized by grade level and earned through the completion of the accompanying programs, attending “The Gathering Day” event and conducting a student-led community project.
Girl Scouts collected donations for a local food shelter, prepared meals for the hungry, and spread God’s message. Giuliana Pinzon collected 70 pounds of donations for the Raritan Food Pantry; Gabriella and Genevieve Tkacs prepared 60 lunches and ‘Ziti for the Needy’ for SHIP (Samaritan Homeless Interim Program in Somerville), and Audrey Tozzi prepared prayer cards for the second graders receiving their First Holy Communion, spreading God’s word and blessings.
Other Girl Scout religious awards include “Family of God” for Brownie scouts and “Spirit Alive” for Senior Girl Scouts. The Girl Scout Gathering Day for the 2024-25 scout year will be held this fall at a central location in the Diocese. For information contact Doreen Sekora at 908672-5255 or DOMgirlscouts @gmail.com.
Contributed by Doreen Sekora, Catholic Committee on Scouting
LOYOLA JESUIT CENTER
161 James Street • Morristown, NJ 07960 973-539-0740 • Fax: 973-898-9839 www.loyola.org • retreathouse@loyola.org
Retreats for lay men, women, priests, religious; days/evenings of prayer. Groups planning their own programs are welcome.
THE SHRINE OF ST. JOSEPH
1651 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069 908-753-2091 • www.msmhope.org e-mail: msmhope@msmhope.org Retreats, Spiritual Direction, Programs To join this retreat
1050 Long Hill Road, Stirling, NJ 07980 908-647-0208 • www.stshrine.org Day & Overnight Retreats Gift & Book Shop - open daily
ST. JOSEPH BY THE SEA 400 Route 35 North, S. Mantoloking, NJ 08738 732-892-8494 • sjbsea@comcast.net • sjbsea.org
A Retreat House Sponsored by the Religious Teachers Filippini overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay. Offering days of prayer, retreat weekends, spiritual programs, meetings and staff days.
ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE 3918 Chipman Road, Easton, PA 18045 Phone: 610-258-3053, ext. 10 • Fax: 610-258-2412 Info@stfrancisretreathouse.org • stfrancisretreathouse.org Franciscan retreat and confrence center. Retreats for men, women, youth, religious, preached, private, directed
VILLA PAULINE RETREAT AND SPIRITUAL CENTER
352 Bernardsville Road, Mendham, NJ 07945
Sr. Joseph Spring • 973-919-9874 • srjspring@gmail.com
sccus.org • Preached/Directed/Guided & Private Retreats, Spiritual Direction,
By Anna Trotta Githens Correspondent
A search for deeper healing from the wounds of her parent’s divorce is what drew Molly Raczko, (St. Lawrence the Martyr, Chester) to the “Life-Giving Wounds” Retreat, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life and held at the San Alfonso Retreat Center in Long Branch, August 23-25, where attendees came from as far as Ireland and Texas.
Though her parents’ divorce was more than 20 years ago, Raczko, who learned about LGW on a marriage retreat with her husband, did not fully realize the depth of impact it has had on her life until years later. Children of divorce may experience a “wound of silence,” which makes it difficult to grieve their family’s breakdown. “I am very grateful for my husband and three-year-old son,” she professed. “In my new family God is repairing the wounds and helping to heal me.”
Dr. Daniel Meola, whose parents divorced when he was 11 years old, founded the Life-Giving Wounds ministry with his wife, Bethany. They co-authored the book, “Life-Giving Wounds: A Catholic Guide to Healing for Adult Children of Divorce or Separation.” The retreat is modeled on the “life-giving Paschal Mystery of Jesus Christ – his dying, rising, and going forth.” Those three key moments help adult children of divorce (ACOD) move from the “broken image
of love” that appeared in their parent’s divorce or separation to “God’s steadfast, faithful love” for them and their “deepest identity within His love.”
“I gained so much from this weekend including a family of believers who share similar wounds, so there’s this common language that we speak,” Raczko expressed. “And it’s very comforting to just be seen, heard and found in the wounds and the brokenness, and to be able to have compassion for each other and to support each other on this journey, because it’s life long.”
Retreatants are given workbooks with reflections and insights from ACOD, journaling pages, Bible passages, prayers, scriptural meditations, tips on forgiveness, and suggestions for a spiritual plan of life and continued healing after retreat.
Alex Wolfe, assistant director of programs and development, spoke about grace in redemptive suffering. Quoting Sister Miriam James, he said, “Either your wounds are transformed or they’re transmitted. When you lose something you have to give something, when you’re wounded you have to help heal.” Dan and Bethany adopted three children of their own as a way to help children from other broken families.
Acknowledging that he “shied away from Mary” because his relationship with his mother was strained, Wolfe explained, “Mary didn’t need to be more
influential, she didn’t need a better husband. Joseph, a humble carpenter, was enough. All Mary wanted to do was the will of God. That’s what you need in a mom. And that’s what I found in Mary. This devotion to Our Lady has been huge for me and helped me with my relationship with my mother.” Wolfe provides support for the 26+ Life-Giving Wounds chapters around the country.
Retreat attendee Christine’s (Diocese of Paterson) parents divorced 34 years ago and are also both children of divorce. “I want to be the person that breaks the cycle in the family tree. So often we are so wounded that it affects our psychological and spiritual life. It makes us get more easily triggered or whatever it might be.”
“And we might not have that good example,” she continued. “I don’t know what it looks like to plan an evening together or to spend time together that’s unstructured,” shared Christine, whose husband is very supportive. “There’s been a big learning curve since the beginning of my marriage. I am willing to do the work when I see a problem, work I need to do to make it better for us. But I know it can’t just be done on my own. I need the Sacraments and I need help from other people.”
During his homily, Father Timothy Eck, diocesan director, Office of Divine Worship, said that we are sometimes uncomfortable with God’s desire for in-
“OUR
~ POPE FRANCIS
Father Timothy Eck, far left, diocesan director, Office of Divine Worship, and celebrant for the retreat Mass, gathers for a group photo with team members and retreatants during the “Life-Giving Wounds” Retreat, sponsored by the diocesan Office of Family Life and held at the San Alfonso Retreat Center in Long Branch, Aug. 23-25, where attendees came from as far as Ireland and Texas. —Anna Trotta Githens photo
timacy. “Hear his call and invitation to walk with you. Trust God today. Receive greater freedom as a son or daughter of God.”
“Our hope is, as we get healing and do healing, it not only helps us but also helps our family and helps redeem the world as well,” said Meola. “Friendship is the surest way to virtue. Support each other in friendship.”
Carolina Martinez received so much healing that she came from Miami to help lead the N.J. retreat. The Meolas believe that Catholic healing provides the deepest level of healing. Both spiritual and psychological healing are needed. A spiritual director can be very beneficial. There are support groups to continue conversations and to help grow in self-awareness.
Cristina D’Averso-Collins, director, Office of Family Life, said the new ministry is looking for help with leading small groups or missionary partners. You do not have to have a master’s in theology or counseling; they have priests and team counselors. If interested, please contact D’Averso-Collins or Dr. Meola, lifegivingwounds.org
Born on January 2, 1873, Françoise Thérèse Martin was content being her daddy’s little girl. She loved life and the simplicity of that life at Les Buissonets in Alencon. Yet, this girl who embraced religious life at the age of 15, would die when she was 24, after having lived as a cloistered Carmelite for less than 10 years. Thérèse never went on missions, never founded a religious order, never performed great works. The only book of hers, published after her death as a brief edited version of her journal was called “Story of a Soul.” To this day, her journal has inspired countless souls. But within 28 years after her death, the public demand was so great that she be made a saint that Pius XI canonized her on October 3, 1923.
Thérèse knew, as a Carmelite, that she would never be able to perform great deeds. “Love proves itself by deeds,” she wrote, “so how can I show my love?” She concludes: “The only way I can prove my love is by scattering flowers and these flowers are every little sacrifice, every glance and word, and the doing of the least actions for love.”
Thérèse took every chance to sacrifice, no matter how miniscule it might seem. Thérèse smiled at nuns who made fun of her or were rude to her. She ate everything she was given without com-
plaint. She took the blame for things that she did not do.
It is noteworthy that Thérèse had a great love for priests. She began to correspond with priests stationed in the missions and, for many, became much like a spiritual director to these ordained men. Thérèse also loved the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her Autobiography, “Story of A Soul,” Therese wrote, on the feast of her Queenship, that “Mary is more mother than queen.”
After her death, this spirituality would become known as the “Little Way of Spiritual Childhood.” Thérèse used the phrase “Little Way” only once in her writings. Her sister Pauline, a.k.a. Mother Agnes of Jesus, in editing her journal, added the phrase “of Spiritual Childhood” at a later date. It was this “way,” however, chock full of common-sense spirituality and wisdom, which convinced Pope St. John Paul II that she should be declared a Doctor of the Church on Oct. 19, 1997. St. Thérèse was the youngest person and only the third woman to be so honored at that time.
During her short life, Thérèse worried much about how she could achieve holiness in the life she led. Why? She did not just want to be good. She wanted to be a saint. But she knew in her heart that God would not put a desire in her that was impossible to attain. So, in perusing the Gospels, Thérèse came across a verse: “Whoever is a little one, come to me.” She writes “it is your arms, Jesus, that are the elevator to carry me to heaven. And so there is no need for me to grow up: I must stay little and become less and less…” With this spiritual childhood indelibly etched on her soul, Thérèse
thought of herself as Jesus’ little ball, in fact. People may laugh at the thought of this, however Thérèse was quite serious and felt that being a toy of Jesus would be a great honor.
With so many of her blood sisters in the same Carmel, her blood-sister, Mother Agnes, who became Prioress, asked Thérèse to remain a permanent Novice since the buzz around the cloister was that the Martin sisters would take over the governance of Carmel in Lisieux. Thérèse agreed – yet, eventually, she would become the Mistress of Novices.
In 1896, she began coughing up blood – which it turned out was tuberculosis. At this time, there was no cure for this disease. The pain which accrued was so great that had she not some faith, she would have taken her own life without hesitation. Still, she tried to remain
We have several elderly nuns in our communities, and therefore we have fairly frequent doctors’ appointments. To make it easier to take the nuns to those appointments, a couple of years ago we bought a car, a Ford hybrid. I don’t drive and I don’t understand machines, but I am fascinated by our hybrid car. It combines a gas engine, an electric motor and a battery pack, but don’t ask me how each of them works.
What fascinates me is that, somehow, they all work together. The electric motor runs the car at low speeds and in most city driving, while the gas engine drives the car at faster speeds and in more demanding situations such as climbing a hill. The car runs on gas, which we need to pay for, but we don’t need to plug it in because the gas engine recharges the battery, and the battery is also recharged (somehow – don’t ask me how) while the car is being braked. The car therefore runs on two sources of energy, electricity and gas, and often the two work together. The second we need to pay for, while the
first is created by our driving itself. So the electric energy is free! It’s always nice to get something for free.
I may not understand machines, but combined energy is not that difficult to understand. It is also very important in spirituality. Synergy is a concept that is becoming known in the computer world, but it has long been an essential part of religion. Whatever it may mean in computer science or car manufacturing, synergy in Catholicism is the belief that God’s grace and our free cooperation with his grace work together to achieve our salvation. The perfect example of synergy is Jesus himself. As both God and man, his human nature cooperated with his divinity to redeem us from our sins and to unite us to himself. Grace works in a similar way in us.
There have been many discussions of how this happens, and various groups have rejected the reality of synergy, saying that it denies God’s absolute sovereignty and power over his creatures. But God is not a puppet-master, pulling the
smiling and cheerful. Before her death in 1897, she reported that her work would begin in earnest after her death – for she was determined “to spend her Heaven doing good on earth.” Since her death, both of her parents, Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin and Louis Martin have both been canonized in 2015.
Holiness was the foundation of the Martin household. Not only did Therese become a nun, but so did her all of her sisters: (Céline) Carmelite Sister Geneviève of the Holy Face, (Marie) Carmelite Sister Marie Louise of the Sacred Heart, (Pauline) Carmelite Mother Agnes of Jesus and (Léonie) Visitation Sister Thérèse Françoise.
St. Thérèse is one of the patron saints of the missions, not because she ever went anywhere but because of her special love of the missions and the prayers and letter she gave in support of missionaries. This is a reminder to us who feel we can do nothing that it is the little things that keep God’s Kingdom growing.
It is also an appeal to find the extraordinary hand of God in the ordinary things that occupy our day. Often referred to as “The Little Flower,” St. Thérèse exemplified true humility, childlike trust in God and the best of all, she is only a prayer away! The feast of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus is Oct.1.
Father Comandini serves as diocesan coordinator of the Office for Ongoing Faith Formation.
strings of our will. He “pours his own love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given to us,” that “love that moves the sun and the other stars.” We can block that love, but we can also open ourselves to the Spirit of love. When we do, we accept to move with that love, to love with his love and to live with his life.
This demands an effort on our part, of course. Since the Fall, love is never totally easy or effortless. We have to pay somehow to put love into practice, just as we have to pay for the gas to run our car. In difficult driving, we need to use the gas engine of the car, and in difficult choices, we need to make the effort to accept God’s graces. The graces are always there, even though we may not realize it at the time. But then the moment comes when we find ourselves doing perfectly easily something that we had to struggle before even to begin. We will find ourselves smiling at a co-worker who used to make us grit our teeth. We will surprise ourselves by our patience with a slow minded relative. We will actually WANT
to go to daily Mass! We pray for people whom only recently we rejected. We find ourselves coasting on grace!
And remember, too, that the car needs the battery to start. We need grace to accept grace, but like the spark that ignites the spark plug, those initial graces are so slight we often overlook them. Nevertheless, they are there, and every time we find ourselves saying a prayer or doing a kind action, we can know that the graces poured into our soul are at work, like the energy stored in the battery of our car.
Sister Gabriela of the Incarnation is a member of the Discalced Carmelites order in Flemington. Learn more at www. flemingtoncarmel.org.
This Sunday’s reading from St. Mark’s Gospel focuses on genuine Christian leadership. In this Gospel passage Jesus, immediately following the Transfiguration, came down the mountain with his disciples and spoke about the great demands imposed by Christian leadership. He began this teaching with the second of three predictions of his upcoming passion, death, and resurrection – emphasizing the ultimate service that his own leadership of the Christian community would entail.
This particular Gospel scene really occurs in three parts. First, Jesus spoke privately with his disciples about his upcoming passion. By referring to himself as the Son of Man, he even sets the context for them, teaching that his death would be not the failure of his mission, but rather its divinely intended culmination (see Daniel 7:14). In this Jesus reveals much about the true nature of Christian leadership. By virtue of his uniquely exalted position as Son of God, Jesus lovingly offered his very life in the service of God’s plan for the salvation of his people. The Good Shepherd laid down his life for his sheep; the cross became not the sign of defeat, but of the Son of God’s selfless and compassionate love for his people. Of course, as is so
often the case in St. Mark’s Gospel, the disciples heard Jesus make this prediction, but they failed to understand what he was talking about.
The next part of the scene took place after the group had journeyed to Capernaum, Jesus’ hometown as an adult. He asked his followers what they had been discussing along the way. They were silent with embarrassment because they had been arguing about who was most important among them. Perhaps this argument arose because Jesus had taken only Peter, James, and John with him up upon the mountain of the Transfiguration. Perhaps it arose because they had been unable to heal the possessed boy without Jesus’ intervention. In any case, their ambition provided the opportunity for Jesus’ most poignant teaching about leadership: “If anyone wishes to rank first, he must remain the last one of all and the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Again, in the Christian context, the mark of a true leader is the sacrificial loving concern he or she shows for others.
Building upon this, Jesus next took a little child and drew him close to himself. He embraced the child, showing how deeply he cherished him and said, “Whoever welcomes a child such as this for my sake welcomes me . . .” (Mark 9:37a). Jesus used the child to represent all those who are helpless and needy, all those who
put their trust in God to take care of them. In this passage Jesus identifies himself in a very special and direct way with all those who are lowly – to care for them is to care for Jesus himself. The Lord would take care of these lowly ones; his mission of caring for them would fall especially on those called to roles of leadership within Jesus’ community. To be first meant being of constant and devoted service to all those ranked further down the line. Being in charge would mean being ruled by a heart poured out in loving service to those who were needy.
Both the first and second readings also assert the necessity of dedicated service to others. In the Letter of St. James, the apostle warns us of the discord and disappointment that result when people become selfish, using positions of authority or anything else for their own aggrandizement rather for than for the good of others. He contrasts such base behaviors with true heavenly insight which is “innocent … peaceable, lenient, docile, rich in sympathy and [in] the kindly deeds
that are its fruit …” (James 3:17).
Leadership based upon the teaching of Jesus is very different from leadership based upon purely secular principles. Christian leaders substitute service for selfishness, humility for pomp, and love for neglect. Within the family of Jesus, whether we are called upon to lead churches, communities, families, teams or businesses, we must realize that all authority is ultimately influenced by the sign of the cross – a sign of a Leader who would completely hand over his life, and embrace his suffering and death, for the well-being of his people.
Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel.
Gospel for September 22, 2024 Mark 9: 30-37
Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B: the truth about greatness. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.
FROM THERE GALILEE ANYONE DISCIPLES KILL HIM THREE RISE UNDERSTAND SAYING AFRAID SILENT SAT DOWN CALLED FIRST LAST OF ALL SERVANT CHILD MIDST HIS ARMS MY NAME SENT ME
As the summer days draw to a close, the Diocese of Metuchen Office of Schools joyfully welcomes students, staff and families back to school for the 2024-2025 academic year. This year, our schools will be filled with a spirit of renewed hope, faith, and community as we embark on several significant celebrations and initiatives that will enrich our educational mission. We are filled with gratitude for the incredible individuals who make up our school communities, our students, teachers, administrators, support staff, parents and guardians, each playing a vital role in the life of our schools.
We are delighted to have our students back in our classrooms, hallways, and on our school grounds. Whether they are returning or joining us for the first time, they are a cherished member of our school family. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to grow from our students are what makes our schools vibrant places of learning and faith. We also extend our deepest appreciation to our dedicated teachers, administrators, and support staff. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds and spirits of our students is the cornerstone of each of our schools’ success. Their passion for teaching and dedication to our Catholic values continue to inspire and uplift our entire community. We appreciate the support of our families in our Catholic schools and their partnership in faith and education strengthens the foundation of our students’ spiritual and academic growth.
As we enter this new school year, we do so with a sense of optimism and hope. The Vatican Jubilee Year 2025 reminds us of the importance of hope in our lives. Through the stories of Eucharistic Saints and the celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe, our students will be provided with opportunities to deepen their faith and understanding of God’s love.
This school year coincides with the beginning of the Vatican Jubilee Year 2025, a special time of grace and renewal for the Catholic Church worldwide. The theme of the Jubilee, Pilgrims of Hope, will be integrated into various aspects of classroom lessons and school programs. We are committed to fostering a culture of hope in our classrooms, where students and staff alike will be encouraged to reflect on their journey of faith and their role as bearers of hope in the world.
In addition to the Jubilee Year, this school year marks the Fifth Anniversary of our Diocesan Consecration to Jesus through Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her message of love, compassion, and hope will be central to our celebrations. Special liturgies, educational programs, and cultural events will be held throughout the year to honor Our Lady’s profound influence on our faith and to inspire our students to follow her example of unwavering trust in God.
We are also excited to introduce the Eucharistic Saints Program, a new initiative that will guide our students in deepening their understanding and love for the Holy Eucharist. Through the lives of saints who had a special devotion to the Eucharist, our students will learn the importance of this sacrament in their daily lives and be inspired to grow closer to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Sister Mary Louise Shulas shared, “This program aligns perfectly with the broader Eucharistic Revival movement within the Church, and we are proud to be part of this national effort to rekindle a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.”
We are confident that the 2024-2025 school year will be one of growth, achievement and spiritual renewal. Our schools are education and faith filled communities where each person is valued and supported. We are committed to creating an environment where every student feels safe, welcomed, and encouraged to reach their full potential. Our staff plays an essential role in fostering this environment, and we are profoundly grateful for their dedication and hard work. As we gather together in our classrooms, at Mass, and school events, we are reminded of the strength we draw from the Lord, our families, and each other. Let us embrace this new school year with gratitude and hope, and a time filled with faith, learning and joy.
Barbara Stevens, Superintendent of Schools
Joseph Diskin, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Sister Mary Louise Shulas, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Phillipsburg school welcomes current administrator to new position
Sara Siano never thought she would work in education.
During the last 10 years, her career changed, leading to her working as a teacher in pre-Kindergarten. From that, her love of the calling grew to teaching additional grades to ultimately becoming an ad ministrator.
St. Philip and St. James Parish in Phillipsburg recently announced Siano as principal of its school, also named for its patron saints. Siano moves up from her position as vice-principal and director of advancement for the school and takes over for former principal Patricia A. Bell.
“I feel I was led here to this school, to this occupation, all of it,” said Siano, who grew up in Brick, Ocean County, but settled in Phillipsburg more than 15 years ago with her husband, Giovanni.
“That’s why I tell people don’t worry. Why worry about things you can’t control? Whatever is supposed to happen is going to happen. That has led me to where I am now; it’s just God’s plan.”
Siano had been working in page design with media company Lehigh Valley Business, with the role expanding to event design. When Lehigh Valley Business was acquired – with the purchase meaning a move out of state – Siano and her family decided to stay put.
“I had a very big life change,” she said, on earning a substitute teaching certificate and, being she held bachelor’s degrees in fine arts, obtaining an art teaching certificate. She then gained classroom experience working as a paraprofessional and a special-support instructor in the Phillipsburg School District.
She was hired full time and has been at Saints Philip and James since 2018, during which time she received master’s degrees in various education and school-administration roles, including a Master of Education degree and a Master of Science in Education, Principal/Supervisor
Still, she lacked confidence and had doubts.
“I never thought I could be a teacher,” said Siano. “I have no patience. Teachers, to me, are heroes.”
But when Siano’s two sons, Giovanni and Giordano, began attending Saints Philip and James, she started taking vacation days from work to volunteer in classrooms. The boys are entering eighth and sixth grades this academic year.
“We are so entwined here, because it’s my parish, my children’s school, my job,” she said. “We call it a school family, and it really is a school family.”
The parish school, which first opened in 1875, before electric lighting became common, faces challenges in enrollment, but Siano is focused on dispelling myths about Catholic school being unaffordable. Tuition can be offset with grants, parish subsidies and more, and the school offers a monthly payment plan, she said.
Among her goals is boosting the STREAM program for science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math with a laboratory, and boosting the robotics program.
“We want to be competitive,” she said. “Yes, we’re a Catholic school, but there are so many reasons to go here, including the technology program.
“I don’t like to sound cliche, but it is really an exciting time,” she said, her classroom decorated with photos and several pineapple items. She said the fruit
is an international sign for welcome. “We have a great opportunity, and we are moving on the right trajectory.”
By Anthony Salamone, Correspondent
Maggie Segotta, the new principal of St. James Elemen tary School, Woodbridge, is living proof Thomas Wolfe is wrong: you can, indeed, go home again. Now at the helm of the Catholic school founded in 1890, this is not the first time Segotta has been connected to its strong foundation of academ ic rigor and God-centered faith.
“I grew up in St. James,” she recalled. “My brother and I both did. My best friends from St. James still call me. It was more of a family than just a school.” To illustrate that point, she revealed that her father and brother, Edward and Michael, serve as co-varsity basketball coaches for the St. James Wildcats, and her nephew is enrolled at the school as an eighth-grade student.
Russell Raffay, the new principal of the School of St. Elizabeth, fully admits it takes a team effort to bring children into the Catholic faith.
In his message to parents on the Bernardsville elemen tary school’s website, the Catholic deacon wrote, “One trend I’ve encountered is the expectation that schools alone bear the responsibility of raising children. As a Catho lic school, we recognize and reinforce the vital role of parents as the primary teacher, and St. E’s as the secondary educator of your child(ren). Our role is to work in conjunction with families to teach our students how to take Christian action in a world that often challenges our beliefs.”
Deacon Raffay earned a master’s degree in history from East Stroudsburg University, Pa., a master’s degree in military history, and a master’s degree in education, administration and supervision from American Military University, Charleston, W. Va.
After her graduation from Union Catholic High School, Scotch Plains, Segotta enrolled in Ramapo College, Mahwah, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in educational technology; later, she earned a supervisor certificate there. Segotta also earned a standard certificate in elementary education via the alternate route program at Kean University, Union.
Segotta has worked at The Club of Woodbridge and Woodbridge Township as a youth camp counsellor, director, supervisor and recreation leader. In the educational arena, she taught in the Woodbridge school system for six years and for four years at St. Genevieve School, Elizabeth, which has since closed.
Continuing her relationship with the school of her childhood seemed extra appealing with the addition of St. James’ daycare center which educates youngsters beginning at 16 months old up to kindergarten. “They learn all the prayers,” said Segotta. “It’s nice to teach them that at a young age.”
St. James School’s mission statement reads, “As the foremost ministry of the Catholic Community of St. James, it is the primary duty of the school to integrate Christ’s presence as spiritual growth is fostered and excellence in academics, the arts, and social and physical activities is achieved. While focusing on the Gospel of Jesus, St. James School provides a well-balanced education that promotes high standards of performance, self-discipline and responsibility.”
Segotta’s goals for the upcoming academic year are to share that special charism with even more students and to assure the Catholic school’s value is evident to the community at large.
“We have 168 students now, and my goal is to grow the school even more,” the new principal said. “We have opened up our exposure with ads and on social media. I make sure we have a story and pictures every month in the [township newsletter] ‘Colonia Corner,’ so everyone can see the great things we are doing. We have to just get ourselves out there.”
By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor
Over the course of his 30-year career in education, Deacon Raffay has instructed a host of subjects for students of all levels. In St. Michael School, Netcong, he taught middle schoolers the disciplines of social studies, English, music, art and reading; in Belvidere High School, Belvidere, U.S. and world history; in West Morris Mendham High School, Mendham, economics and history, and in the Academy of St. Elizabeth, Morris Township, theology and history.
In addition to his academic instruction, the deacon served as coach at many of these schools’ soccer, basketball and softball teams and weight training program, as well as musical director of the drama club and head of campus ministry. He has been an adjunct professor at county community colleges in such disciplines as U.S. and world history, politics, contemporary issues and American government.
Deacon Raffay is a newcomer to the Catholic faith; “I was a practicing Presbyterian up to age 43,” he revealed. His wife is a Catholic, and he attended both faiths’ services and “felt a pull, a call to convert. It was profound: ‘this is My Body, this is My Blood’ drew me in. I saw the beauty of the faith; I went through RCIA and my pastor approached me to be a deacon.”
Deacon Raffay earned a master’s degree in theology in 2020 from Seton Hall University, Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, and was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Paterson in his home parish, St. Michael, Netcong. He and his wife, Marie, have four children ages 22 to 28.
The deacon’s goal for the 186 pre-K to eighth graders of School of St. Elizabeth is to encourage them to be smart with their faith decisions and remember that God has a plan for them.
“I have discovered my true passion within Catholic schools,” Deacon Raffay stated in his welcome letter to parents. “I have had the opportunity to not only teach academic subjects, but also impart the profound teachings and lessons of Jesus, who remains the greatest of all educators.”
By Christina Leslie, Contributing Editor
Immaculate Conception Annandale icsannandale.org 908-735-6334
St. Joseph Carteret sjps.net
732-541-7111
St. John Vianney Colonia school.sjvianney.com 732-388-1662
St. Bartholomew East Brunswick school.stbartseb.com 732-254-7105
St. Helena Edison sthelenaedison.org 732-549-6234
St. Matthew Edison
stmatthewtheapostle.com/school 732-985-6633
St. Augustine of Canterbury Kendall Park staugustinenj.org 732-297-6042
St. Francis Cathedral Metuchen stfranciscathedralschool.org
732-548-3107
St. Ambrose, Old Bridge stambroseschool.net
732-679-4700
St. Thomas the Apostle Old Bridge sttaob.com 732- 251-4000
Assumption Catholic Perth Amboy assumptioncatholicschool.net 732-826-8721
Perth Amboy Catholic School pacatholicschool.org 732-442-9533
St. Stanislaus Kostka Sayreville sskschool.org 732-254-5819
Holy Savior Academy South Plainfield holysavioracademy.com 908-822-5890
Immaculate Conception Spotswood icsspotswood.org 732-251-3090
St. James, Woodbridge sj-school.org 732-634-2090
St. James Basking Ridge sjsbr.org 908-766-4774
School of St. Elizabeth Bernardsville steschool.org 908-766-0244
St. Ann Raritan stannparish.com
908-725-7787
St. Matthias Somerset stmatthias.info 732-828-1402
Immaculate Conception Somerville icsschool.org 908-725-6516
Saints Philip and James Phillipsburg sspjnj.org 908-859-1244
St. Thomas Aquinas Edison stahs.net 732-549-1108
Immaculata Somerville immaculatahighschool.org 908-722-0200
Mount Saint Mary Academy Watchung (Sisters of Mercy) mountsaintmary.org 908-757-0108
Saint Joseph Metuchen (Brothers of the Sacred Heart) stjoes.org 732-549-7600
By Mike Kowalczyk Special Contributor
It’s a topic that is in the forefront of minds from academia to healthcare to business and beyond. Artificial Intelligence. And to explain where it came from and where it might be headed, St. Thomas Aquinas High School then-junior Vansh Soni-Silva has been published in the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology for his research paper entitled “AI - Current Landscape and Future Predictions.” This achievement is particularly inspiring as Vansh embarked on this ambitious project while recovering from surgery for a sports-related injury.
“What made me most proud was that I took a negative situation and made it into a positive. I want to encourage others to do the same,” Vansh said, reflecting on his journey from adversity to achievement.
Over a concentrated period of two months, Vansh immersed himself in the world of artificial intelligence, learning how to write a research paper, delving into the history and current state of AI, and exploring
the numerous fields that could be impacted by this technology. His hard work culminated not only in the acceptance of his paper by a respected international journal but also in a thought-provoking presentation to his the ology class, during which he examined the ethical considerations of AI.
“It’s important to establish the ethics and eliminate potential biases in AI systems be fore we get too far down the path,” Vansh ob served during his presentation. He urged his classmates to leverage their future influence to ensure that AI is used to benefit society and not to diminish opportunities for others.
Principal Harry Ziegler praised Vansh’s accomplishment, stating, “Vansh’s dedication and intellectual curiosity are truly exemplary. His ability to turn a challenging situation into an opportunity for learning and growth is a testament to his character and determination.”
This outstanding achievement not only underscores Vansh’s academic abilities but also serves as an inspiration to his peers, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the importance of turning challenges into opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
—All pictures are courtesy of their respective schools.
By Susan Odenthal, Correspondent
Hundreds of eager Diocese of Metuchen Catholic school teachers and administrators packed St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Kendall Park Aug. 28 for a “welcome back” Mass celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio, followed by a time of fellowship during a special brunch.
During his homily, Bishop Checchio told the story of a professor in Rome who used the Belvedere torso, a renowned 15th century work of art in the Vatican Museum, to encourage students to see
disciplined to appreciate the nuances of the art they studied, what they saw, they most often recounted what they didn’t see, Bishop Checchio explained – no head, no arms, no legs.
Bishop Checchio’s lesson to the teachers, which he described as a sacred trust: “Sometimes we approach people that way, focusing on what we don’t see rather than appreciating their talents. You are called to see that priceless treasurewhat God is calling each of your students to be.”
Following Mass, the teachers and administrators sat riveted as U.S. Dis-
her husband, Mark. When the doorbell at their North Brunswick home rang on July 19, 2020, a crazed gunman stood on the other side, and her son tried to protect his father. Daniel, 20 at the time, would not survive the shooting, and Mark would be critically wounded. Judge Salas would go on to crusade for laws to protect the personal information of judges and other court staff, ultimately responsible for the institution of Daniel’s Law.
But Judge Salas, whose family worshiped at St. Augustine Church each week, had another lesson for the assembled teachers: our Catholic faith compels us, and gives us the strength, to forgive.
“In the weeks and months after
Daniel’s death, I didn’t think I could find purpose,” Judge Salas said. “I begged God for peace and acceptance. Little did I know that God would answer with so much more. I found God’s love – vast and eternal love for which there are no words.” Just as she considers her life a gift for which her son sacrificed his, she reminded the teachers that Jesus was willing to die an unspeakable death for us. She counseled that we can’t squander that gift. “As you reflect on that gift, I ask you to live your life as a thank you note to God. Your life’s work matters in ways you may never know.”
“It is my honor and privilege to speak to the men and women who have devoted
their professional lives to our children,” Judge Salas concluded. “Today, I say thank you on behalf of all parents.”
Those gathered at St. Augustine sat in rapt attention as these voices shared their words of encouragement and experience. In less than a week, most would stand in front of classrooms in the Diocese’s 22 elementary schools and two high schools. This year, the Diocese schools will welcome 60 new teachers.
The Mass was celebrated on the same day that the State of New Jersey announced the opening of one of its “most massive schools ever” – a new 3,300-student high school in Perth Amboy. The personal connection forged in Catholic schools, and on display that morning, stood in stark contrast. Diocese of Metuchen Superintendent of Schools
Barbara Stevens offered her prayers before the Mass for the students and teachers in our Catholic schools, where “academic excellence is a given,” but where “the personal nurturing of each child’s faith and God-given talents” is unique.
Teachers and administrators both seasoned and new understood that distinction and the work they are called to. Joseph Devito III, visual arts department
chair at Immaculata High School, sat quietly at the back of the church waiting for Mass to start. “I am your soldier … give me the strength to do your will and inspire others to do the same” is his frequent prayer, he said.
Harry Ziegler, principal at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Edison, was excited to offer “students an unforgettable Aquinas experience” in the new school year.
Filippini Sister Margaret Mary Hanlon, who teaches religion at St. John Vianney School in Colonia, is hoping to foster in her students “a greater love for Jesus.”
Michael Palermo, who will begin his first year teaching in a Catholic school this year at St. Joseph School in Carteret, called the Mass and speaker “a moving start” to a year when he “looks forward to educating young minds to the glory of God.”
“The future will be shaped by the children you teach today,” Bishop Checchio concluded. “You are making a difference for the good of our world, now and in the future. I remember the teachers who made that difference in my life, and I pray for them regularly. I know your students will pray for you too.”
1. Bishop James F. Checchio served as principal celebrant and homilist of the annual “welcome back” Mass for Diocese of Metuchen Catholic schoolteachers and administrators, held Aug. 28 in St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Kendall Park.
2. Hundreds of educators listened to the Bishop’s advice to “see that priceless treasure – what God is calling each of your students to be.”
3. From left, St. Augustine pastor, Father Robert G. Lynam and Father Jonathan S. Toborowsky, vicar general and moderator of the curia, join the Bishop at the altar as concelebrants.
4. The congregation sat spellbound as U.S. District Judge Esther Salas described the shooting of her only child, Daniel, and husband, Mark, in 2020 at their North Brunswick home. The judge told the congregation that after Daniel’s death her faith saved her, and she “found God’s love – vast and eternal love for which there are no words.”
5. Following the Mass, Bishop Checchio gathered with priests of diocesan schools (left) and altar servers of the master servers of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish.
6. From left, Barbara Stevens, diocesan superintendent of schools; Father Lynam and Filippini Sister Mary Louise Shulas, diocesan director of curriculum, share fellowship during (7) a special brunch for teachers and administrators.
—Mark Lee photos
See what the best future for your son looks like by visiting Saint Joe’s to take a student-guided tour and meet our faculty and coaches.
Sunday, October 20 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
145 Plainfield Avenue, Metuchen, NJ 08840
Pre-register online at www.stjoes.org/openhouse
Susan Odenthal, Correspondent
Michael and Joanne Liscovitz of Hillsborough have been named the 2024 recipients of the J. Brandon “Mackie” Maxwell Jr. Award for their exceptional service to Immaculata High School and for living out the school’s mission within the community.
The award, to be presented September 30 at the Immaculata annual golf outing, originated with the recognition of “Mackie” Maxwell himself in 2008. It honors individuals who, like Mackie and his wife, Stephanie, exemplify the pillars of faith, scholarship, friendship and service that are intrinsic to the foundation of Immaculata. At this year’s event, the award will be renamed the Maxwell Family Award to reflect the contributions of the entire Maxwell family.
Michael, a 1971 Immaculata graduate, has been a continuous supporter of his alma mater for half a century. He has served on the football coaching staff, the School Advisory Board, the Hall of Fame Gala Committee, and class reunion committees, and was a founding member of Unitas Caritas, a non-profit organization raising funds for school needs.
Joanne, a leading realtor in Somerset and Hunterdon counties, is a co-founder of “Dance for the Cure,” a volunteer-driven charity established in 1999 to provide financial assistance to patients battling breast cancer. To date, Dance for the Cure has provided over $1 million to patients in Hunterdon, Somerset, Middlesex, and Mercer counties. Early in her career, Joanne also served as an English teacher and school play direc-
tor at Immaculata.
Michael and Joanne are parents of two Immaculata graduates, daughter Meredith and son Brian.
“Mackie” Maxwell and his wife, Stephanie, were tireless volunteers for Immaculata, with particular focus on the school’s athletics programs, during the years their own three children attended the school and for many after. Owners of the former Old York Inn in Branchburg, the Maxwells were tireless advocates for the school for three decades. Mackie died soon after receiving the first award in 2008, and Stephanie passed away in 2023.
“The Maxwells embodied the ‘spirit of a Spartan,’ which those close to Immaculata know so well,” explained Immaculata principal Ed Webber. “With two schools and a vibrant parish community, Immaculate Conception is a special place where the Maxwells formed wonderful relationships, and which their family continues to support as part of their legacy.”
In acknowledging the critical support of school families, Webber said, “Throughout our history, supporters like the Maxwell and Liscovitz families have ensured that we can continue to offer an outstanding, faith-based high school experience to thousands of families. ‘Mackie’ and Stephanie, and Mike and Joanne are proof that our traditions stand the test of time.” This year, Immaculata will welcome a growing population of 535 to the school.
The Raritan Valley Country Club in Bridgewater will be the setting for this year’s Mackie Award Brunch and Golf Classic. More information is available at immaculatahighschool.org/golfclassic.
Whether you are a 7th grader taking your first look at high schools or an 8th grader beginning the high school search, this event is for you.
MON., OCT. 7 6 – 8 PM SUN., OCT. 20 1 – 5 PM
LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP!
To pre-register, e-mail enrollment@mountsaintmary.org Special Presentation at 2:30 pm in Chapel by Sister Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S., Directress
By Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) – True education is accompanying young people to discover and build the common good through academic rigor and serving others, Pope Francis said. “We need to move from the culture of the ‘I’ to the culture of the ‘we,’ in which a quality education is defined by its humanizing results and not by its economic results,” he told members of the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education in a written address given to them during an audience at the Vatican May 24.
The commission is an advisory body to the Jesuits’ Secretariat for Education and focuses on secondary and pre-secondary education rather than universities. The commission reported in 2023 that there are more than 2,300 schools in the Jesuit global network, educating “more than two million students, from all kinds of religious, cultural, social and language backgrounds in five continents and more than 70 countries.”
In his prepared speech, which was given to the group, the Pope wrote that
the Jesuits must insist on how indispensable it is for educators to have “a true relationship with the Lord.” The only way to help share “the treasure revealed in Jesus” with young people and help them “experience his liberating and salvific mystery” is for young people to see in their educators and parents “this relationship with God and a deep respect for others and for creation,” he wrote.
the Jesuit global network of secondary and pre-secondary schools. —CNS photo/Vatican Media
Carmelites find St. Teresa of Ávila’s body still incorrupt after opening coffin for study of relics
ALBA DE TORMES, Spain (OSV News) – The silver coffin of St. Teresa of Ávila was opened in Alba de Tormes Aug. 28 only to confirm her body has remained incorrupt since her death in 1592. The opening of the Spanish nun’s tomb marks the beginning of a study of her relics, which will be carried out by Italian doctors and scientists – with the approval of the Vatican. The last opening of St. Teresa’s coffin happened in 1914, 110 years ago. The Spanish Diocese of Ávila now wants to obtain canonical recognition of the relics from Rome. According to the announcement made by the Postulator General of the Discalced
New study says Shroud of Turin bloodstains are ‘consistent with Jesus Christ’s tortures’
The silver coffin containing the body of St. Teresa of Avila in Alba de Tormes, Spain, is opened for the first time since 1914 and marked the beginning of a study of her relics, which will be carried out by Italian doctors and scientists with Vatican approval.
OSV News photo/courtesy Order of Carmel
Carmelite Order, Father Marco Chiesa, those present at the scene were able to see that “it is in the same condition as when it was last opened in 1914.” Both openings confirmed that the body of St. Teresa has remained incorrupt since her death. A first look at her body revealed, Father Chiesa recounted, that “the last few years were difficult for her to walk, due to the pain that she herself described.” St. Teresa, one of the great mystics of the Catholic Church, started the Carmelite reform, which restored and emphasized the contemplative character of Carmelite life. St. Teresa was elevated to doctor of the church in 1970.
TURIN, Italy (OSV News) – A study published in July revealed that a new analysis of the Shroud of Turin, including the composition and a microscopic analysis of bloodstains, shows that the marks are consistent with the tortures endured by Christ as described in the Gospels. The study, titled “New Insights on Blood Evidence from the Turin Shroud Consistent with Jesus Christ’s Tortures,” stated that the presence of creatinine particles with ferritin, which are often a by-product of muscle contractions, “confirms, at a microscopic level, the very heavy torture suffered by Jesus of the HST,” or Holy Shroud of Turin. Furthermore, “numerous bloodstains scattered throughout the double body image of the HST show evidence that Jesus of the HST was tortured,” it stated. “Bloodstained marks all over the body image which are consistent with pre-crucifixion flagellation, bloodstained marks on the head that are consistent with a ‘crown’ of thorns, blood marks on
Faith, business, agricultural leaders discuss ways to respond to ‘cry’ of
OMAHA, Neb. (OSV News) – Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha hosted a diverse group of leaders from government, business, education, nonprofit, agriculture and religious organizations from across northeast Nebraska for a day of reflection on how to care for our common home. The leaders discussed the environmental challenges they face in their communities and the world at large. They also explored ways to collaborate to address those challenges. The Aug. 17 meeting was inspired by Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical, “Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home,” which focuses on care for the natural environment and all people, as well as broader questions of the relationship between God, humans and the Earth. “In recent years Pope Francis
The skyline of Omaha, Neb., is pictured in a file photo at dusk. Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha hosted a diverse group of leaders from government, business, education, nonprofit, agriculture and religious organizations from across northeast Nebraska for a day of reflection Aug. 17, 2024, on how to care for our common home. —OSV News photo/franckreporter
has built on decades of church teaching and expressed concern for our common home in his documents ‘Laudato Si’’ and ‘Laudate Deum,’” Archbishop Lucas said. “The Holy Father has appealed for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet, which addresses the urgent environmental threats our world is facing.” The Archdiocese of Omaha is one of more than 20 dioceses throughout the United States developing an action plan on the Laudato Si’ Action Platform – laudatosiactionplatform.org – a free initiative of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. It equips individuals, parishes, educational institutions, health care organizations and others to establish a flexible action plan to care for the environment.
LCWR assembly invites sisters to become ‘catalyst for social transformation’
Shroud of Turin is
in a file
during a preview for journalists at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. A study published in July revealed that a new analysis of the shroud, including the composition and a microscopic analysis of the blood, shows that the marks are consistent with the tortures endured by Christ as described in the Gospels. —CNS photo/Paul Haring
the hand and feet that are consistent with crucifixion and the bloodstain on the chest that evidences a post-mortem wound that corresponds with the post-mortem spear wound that Christ received as is described in the Bible,” the report said. The new study was written by Giulio Fanti, associate professor of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Padua. According to his personal website, Fanti has studied and written about the famed burial cloth since 2004.
ORLANDO, Fla. (OSV News) – However religious life evolves, whatever new religious life emerges, consecrated women will continue to answer God’s call with a courageous “YES,” sisters heard during the annual assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Dominican Sister Maureen Geary, outgoing LCWR president, told the more than 800 people gathered in Orlando for the assembly that what matters is the mission, whatever that mission may be. LCWR represents about two-thirds of the nearly 36,000 sisters in the United States. Answering the question in the assembly’s theme, “Who then shall we be?” Sister Maureen cited the First Book of John: That while we are now children of God,
what we will be is not known. But there are some things that will not change. “We shall be women who answer the call to serve in this world in which we live – this world that has so much pain and so many needs,” she said Aug. 14. “We shall be nourishment for the life of the world.”
According to Global Sisters Report, the assembly opened Aug. 13 with various welcome messages, including one sent by Sister Simona Brambilla, secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. In her letter, Sister Simona wrote that “if we allow it, consecrated life can truly be a catalyst for social transformation,” and wished attendees “a time of great peace
Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, a member of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®- Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability.
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability, and accelerating recovery times.
Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest research- and evidence-based guidelines. Get With The Guidelines - Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting consistent adherence to these guidelines, which can minimize the long-term effects of a
stroke and even prevent death.
“Saint Peter’s University Hospital is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines,” said Roger Behar, MD, neurologist and medical director of the Stroke Program at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. “Get With The Guidelines makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work in the critical moments immediately after stroke symptoms appear, which studies show can help patients recover better while minimizing the potential for longterm disabilities that can result due to delay in treatment. The end goal is for us is to help people in the communities we serve experience longer, healthier lives.”
Each year, program participants qualify for the award by demonstrating how their organization has committed to providing quality care for stroke patients. In addition to following treatment guidelines, Get With The Guidelines participants also educate patients to help them manage their health and recovery at home.
“We are incredibly pleased to recognize Saint Peter’s University Hospital for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” said Steven Messe, MD, volunteer chairperson of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group and professor of neurol-
The American Hospital Association (AHA) has elected Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, to its esteemed Board of Trustees for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025. The Board of Trustees is the highest policymaking body of the AHA and has ultimate authority for the governance and management of its directions and finances.
Hirsch is a seasoned healthcare executive whose career spans over 40 years and has served as president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System since 2017, having initially joined the organization as president in 2015.
Prior to joining Saint Peter’s, Hirsch served as president and CEO for seven years at Saint Clare’s Health System in Denville, N.J. He previously served as president and CEO of Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, La., starting in August 2005, just one week before New Orleans took a direct hit from Hurricane Katrina. Before joining Touro, Hirsch served as president and CEO of Exempla-Saint
Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colo., as well as president and CEO of the Cooper Health System (now known as Cooper University Health Care) in Camden, N.J.
Hirsch has been active with the AHA for many years, having served several terms as a member of its Regional Policy Board (RPB) for New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania and will also become chair of the RPB when he begins his three-year term on the AHA Board on January 1.
“I am honored to have been elected to the AHA Board of Trustees and look forward to serving as chair of Regional Policy Board 2,” said Hirsch. “AHA’s advocacy in support of the essential work of the hospital field nationally and its mission to Advance Health in America benefits the lives and wellbeing of those we serve in every community across the nation. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to actively participating in the important work ahead.”
Hirsch has been an active community leader throughout his career and pres-
ogy and director of fellowships of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. “Participation in Get With The Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates – a win for health care systems, families and communities.”
The acronym ‘BE FAST’ can help people remember what the initial signs of stroke may look like, says Maria Bartman, BSN, RN, CEN, SCRN, Saint Peter’s stroke coordinator:
B – Balance: Is the person having trouble with balance or coordination?
E – Eyes: Is the person experiencing blurred or double vision or a loss of vision?
F – Face Drooping: Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile.
A – Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Does one arm drift downward if the person raises their arms?
S – Speech Difficulty: Is the person’s speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or are they hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence like, “The grass is green.”
T – Time to call 911: If the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms subside, call 911 and get them to the hospital immediately.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes™ Honor Roll award.
Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital is designated a primary stroke center by the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services and is certified as an advanced primary stroke center by The Joint Commission, demonstrating that the hospital has consistently met quality metrics and provided some of the best evidence-based care for its stroke patients. An advanced primary stroke center is the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating stroke and preventing or minimizing permanent brain damage to the patient.
Saint Peter’s was also the first hospital in New Jersey to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System, implementing evidence-based interventions specifically designed to improve care for older adults across emergency departments, intensive care units, medical-surgical units, and primary and specialty care settings.
ently serves as a member of the board of directors of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the Middlesex County Crime Stoppers board of directors and the board of trustees of the Hope Through Education Foundation. In addition, he served as chairman of the board of trustees of the
New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) for two consecutive terms in 2015 and 2016, and currently serves as chair of its HealthPAC board of directors. He is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions including having received Distinguished Service Awards from both the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)-New Jersey chapter and NJHA.
Hirsch earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, and a Master of Public Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, NJ. He has been a fellow of the ACHE for over 30 years.
“Growing up in Clifton, New Jersey, we had a lovely statue of St. Francis near a birdbath in the garden. As a result, I always thought of Francis as ‘The Birdbath Saint.’ When becom ing a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn in my late 40s, I discovered there is much more to St. Francis than protecting gardens. His amazing story of conversion of heart –constantly turning away from sin toward God – is incredibly inspiring. His virtues outlined in the Peace Prayer – love, faith, hope, giving – are so desperately needed to transform the inclination to hate so prevalent in our polarized world.”
These are the words of Brother Gregory Cellini, O.S.F. – Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn. Brother Greg is the director of the Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue, and co-director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
It is this need to share the entire essence of St. Francis that motivated Brother Greg and the College to launch an initiative called Franciscan Month. As the Feast of St. Francis is Oct. 4, October has been selected to be Franciscan Month. The mission of Franciscan Month is to celebrate the more than 800-year-old Franciscan Movement, educate about the Movement and form others in the Franciscan way of life.
The goals of Franciscan Month include enhancing the visibility of the contribution the Franciscan Movement has made to the world since its inception and increasing knowledge of the stories of St. Francis, St. Clare and the many other Franciscan role models. The most important goal, however, is to demonstrate how the Franciscan way of life is applicable to the 21st century, with the outcome of a greater number of people living a Franciscan way.
Franciscan Month was birthed in October 2023, when the College organized a series of daily Franciscan reflections entitled “All Good Things.” This October, Franciscan Month is being expanded to people outside the College – namely those in the Dioceses/Archdioceses of Brooklyn, Metuchen, Newark, New York, Paterson and Rockville Centre. Fittingly, a theme of Peace has been chosen, reflected in the Month’s logo.
The Month’s primary target audiences are the students at the College
and those unfamiliar with the entire St. Francis story. In the spirit of Franciscan inclusion, people of all faiths are invited to participate – after all, Francis is the Saint for everyone.
In addition to once again compiling “All Good Things,” several events have been scheduled. These include a kickoff Peace Run at the College on Sept. 30, the Transitus at different parishes on Oct. 3 and various Blessings of the Animals. All events are listed on a Franciscan Month webpage, which can be accessed via a QR code. The public is welcomed at all events happening at parishes and most events occurring at the College. There is one activity in particular that has raised significant interest: a Cellphone Freedom Hour. Sadly, many people have found their phones have become a disordered love from which they need to detach more. On Thursday, Oct. 10, between 1p.m. and 2 p.m. EST, participants will have an opportunity to put down their phones. Following the contemplative nature of St. Francis and St. Clare, some will spend the hour in Eucharistic Adoration, while others will invite someone to take a walk to admire the beauty of nature. At the College, there will be an opportunity to gather to play “old-fashioned” games such as Twister.
While it may be difficult to measure the impact of Franciscan Month 2024, one desired outcome is enhanced relationships. It is very much hoped that participants will, at the end of the Month, have deeper relationships with others, creation, themselves and, of course, God.
The ultimate vision for the initiative is to, in 2026, receive a global designation for the month of October as Franciscan Month. The year 2026 is a very important one for Franciscans, as it will mark the 800th anniversary of Francis going to Paradise. In 2025, the plan is to extend Franciscan Month across America. The hope is to have one major U.S. event where many people can come together, in addition to several smaller events throughout the country.
Franciscan Month has something for everyone. For further information, please check out the webpage or contact Franciscan Brother Gregory Cellini at gcellini@sfc.edu.
By Mary DeTurris Poust, OSV News
Out in my perennial garden, nestled among the bleeding hearts and hyacinths, stands a well-worn clay statue of St. Francis of Assisi made by an artisan in Mexico. The unusual characteristics of the statue make it a conversation piece as well as a spiritual touchstone that helps keep me centered as I dig and weed and plant each spring.
Of course, I’m not alone. Drive down any street and you’re likely to find St. Francis peeking out from both well-manicured lawns and wildflower gardens run amuck. He is just as likely to share a garden with a statue of Buddha as he is to share one with a statue of the Blessed Mother.
He is a saint of the people – all people, Catholics and non-Catholics alike. His broad appeal is fascinating, but at the same time it begs the question: Do those who plant St. Francis in their gardens really know what the medieval saint was all about?
Today Francis’ concerns are often compartmentalized, separated from true Franciscan spirituality by well-meaning folks who want to claim him for their own. And who can blame them? He is certainly a challenging yet endearing saint for the ages.
Environmentalists jump on Francis’ love for creation, his “Canticle of Brother Sun,” his diligence in protecting trees and even “brother” fire and find in him a kindred spirit.
Animal lovers hear stories of him preaching to birds and taming a wolf and see in Francis the kind of saint who has rightly earned his status as patron of animals. His popularity comes into full view every Oct. 4, when adults and children alike line up outside churches with everything from goldfish swimming in glass bowls to German shepherds straining at leather leashes just for a chance to get
their pets a blessing on Francis’ feast day.
Peace activists, interreligious leaders, social-justice organizers – the St. Francis fan club goes on and on. It seems everyone can find a piece of Francis to suit their cause. But, if you put all of those individual causes into the Gospel context that was at the heart of Francis’ rule and spirituality, you come away with a very different picture of our lovable saint, one that is not so easily shaped and molded by the latest trends in activism.
Would we see quite so many St. Francis lawn statues if people stopped to reflect on the fact that Francis’ life was one centered on his love of Christ, his commitment to a radical living out of the Gospel, and his “marriage” to the bride he dubbed “Lady Poverty”? The path that St. Francis chose was not an easy one. He was ridiculed and mocked as a madman during his own lifetime for what appeared to be an extreme response to his conversion experience.
He renounced his family’s fortune, fasted for days on end, heard the Lord speak to him from a cross in San Damiano, bore the stigmata. He lived and died for Christ. It would be a disservice to him and all he stood for to try to slip a politically correct mask over the spiritually devout saint who did not do anything halfway.
Sometimes I wonder how I can possibly weave Francis’ difficult and often uncomfortable lessons into my exceedingly comfortable existence. How do those of us with warm homes and busy jobs and nice clothes make St. Francis into something more than a decoration or a mascot?
It’s not easy, but maybe, just maybe, seeing St. Francis from the kitchen window as we wash dishes, or when we rake leaves from around his feet as we clean the yard, will call us back to our spiritual center and remind us that what we do here on this earth cannot be separated from what we long for in heaven.
Ester Maria Garcia, 87, of Union, passed away on Friday, Aug. 30.
She was born May 31, 1937, in San Miguel, El Salvador, to her adoring parents José Vasquez and Leonor Argueta. While living in El Salvador, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in education and was a kindergarten teacher. In 1975, she immigrated to the United States, settling in New Jersey and becoming a U.S. citizen shortly thereafter. Throughout her adult life, she held multiple jobs in the hospitality industry.
Ester was an avid cook and loved learning new recipes. You couldn’t leave the home without being fed. She could be found watching FoodTv Network, Lidia’s Kitchen, and the Barefoot Contessa. She had a beautiful vegetable garden with her youngest son, and they grew tomatoes, zucchini, eggplants, and various herbs. She loved her Spanish music, especially Julio Iglesias, Raphael, Rocio Dúrcal, Isabel Pantoja, Juan Gabriel, and many boleros and mariachi songs. She was a faithful woman and prayed daily, especially to Our Lady of Guadalupe and Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz of El Salvador.
She leaves behind her three adoring children, her sons Jaime Hernandez and Nelson Hernandez, her daughter Melissa Pujols and her husband John, and her loving grandson, Matthew Pujols, all of Union.
Memorial donations can be made to The Center for Hope Hospice and Palliative Care in Ester’s name.
Fond memories, expressions of sympathy, or condolence messages may be shared at www.McCrackenFuneralHome.com for the family.
To place your ad in the directory please call Mary at 732-529-7934
In preparation for Jubilee 2025, remember to pray
Pope Francis inaugurated 2024 as a Year of Prayer ahead of the 2025 Jubilee, calling on the faithful “to pray more fervently to prepare ourselves to live properly this grace-filled event and to experience the power of hope in God.”
The Year of Prayer, explained the Holy Father, is dedicated “to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer, prayer in personal life, in the life of the Church, prayer in the world.”
In his reflection, “The Importance of Prayer,” from the Catholic Education Resource Center, Deacon Doug McManaman, writes, “You and I were created for prayer. Life is about learning how to pray. If the very purpose of human life is to know God and love God in eternity, then the purpose of life is prayer.
“And the more we pray, the happier we become. The more we pray, the less
anxious we become, and we are filled with a greater peace of mind and heart.
The more we pray, the more we understand ourselves, for we come to know God more intimately, by experience and we really only know ourselves to the degree that we know God personally. The more we pray, we begin to see the hand of God in our day-to-day life, that is, we see Him acting in our life. We begin to see that He loves us, personally. That makes life so much more meaningful.”
The Jubilee Year 2025, also known as the Holy Year, is a significant event in the Catholic Church, occurring every 25 years. The theme for this Jubilee is “Pilgrims of Hope.” It will begin on Dec. 24, 2024, and last throughout 2025.
Catholic Girl Scout ‘Gathering Day’ planned for October
A “Gathering Day” is normally held each year for Catholic Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts who would like to work on a Catholic scouting program. During that day, scouts accomplish several requirements towards their respective medals.
This year’s Girl Scout GATHERING Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at St. Bernard of Clairvaux, 500 Route 22 East, Bridgewater. Breakfast and lunch will be provided along with scouting activities and fellowship.
Catholic Girl Scout Medals are offered at each scout level with activities
and requirements, just like with regular girl scout badge work. Daisy and Brownie programs are completed within the family. Junior, Cadette and Senior medal programs are completed largely in a group environment with adult advisors.
Levels for religious emblems are: Daisy - God is Love; Brownie - God and Family; Juniors - I Live My Faith; Cadettes - Marian Medal; Seniors and Ambassadors - Spirit Alive.
The cost for the program is $15.00
Contact domgirlscouts@gmail.com for further information on any of the Catholic Girl Scout programs or to request a registration form for the Gathering Day.
The importance of faith, hope and forgiveness
Immaculee Ilibagiza survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide by hiding in a 3 ft x 4ft bathroom for 91 days with seven other women Immaculee endured fear, starvation fear anger and despair for months all while her family community and nearly one million of her tribe were slaughtered Remarkably, her tragedy transformed Immaculee into a strong woman dedicated to peace and reconciliation Immaculee now travels the world sharing her story and healing the hearts of those struggling with fear doubt and hate Her autobiography Left to Tell has sold more than two million copies and is in the process of becoming a major motion picture Immaculee will be available to sell and sign books
Sunday, October 13, 2024, gathering at 7:00 pm 501 New Market Road • Piscataway • 732-968-5555
Commemorating the 107th Anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun” and the apparition of Our Blessed Lady and Saint Joseph in Fatima, Portugal on October 13, 1917
Saturday October 26, 2024 9:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Kick-Off @ 9 am sharp
Merrill Park @ the Gazebo
Woodbridge Twsp (Colonia/Iselin) Intersection of Fairview Ave & Middlesex Essex Turnpike
Confirmation Hours! DJ & refreshments No Distance or Time Restrictions! Visit LifeChoicesRC.com
By Tiffany Workman Special Contributor
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
“September is a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic,” said LuAnn Dias, Service Area Director, Somerset County. “This month is used to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.”
CCDOM of Somerset County’s SPIRIT program (Supportive Partners in Recovery and Treatment), with teams
Above, the SPIRIT program in Bridgewater and Flemington hosted a film entitled “Inside Out 2” that focuses on all of the emotions and feelings a person has on a daily basis that can lead to depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
Center and right photos, clients from both SPIRIT programs show off their bracelets to express how they are feeling.
—Brittany Warnock photos, Peer Advocate for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen.
in both Bridgewater and Flemington, is an intensive outpatient program that provides individualized acute outpatient mental health care, providing individual, family and group therapies, and support groups.
In recognition of September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the SPIRIT programs in both locations are hosting a Disney-produced film entitled “Inside Out 2,” planned for Sept. 12, that focuses on the many emotions and feelings a person has on a daily basis that can lead to depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. It focuses on how to create new emotions that can help an individual feel better, couching its important message in an entertaining way.
All clients from both SPIRIT programs were given bracelets with a message on the inside and outside which can be flipped based on how they are doing that day. Clients will be given additional bracelets in September prior to the movie’s release. The two messages on the bracelet are “I count today as a good
hard.” This is a simple but meaningful way to let the clients express how they are doing without having to voice the words.
In addition, the Intensive Family Support Services Program (IFSS) will be hosting a Respite Event at Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, Sept. 12; one of the activities will be “Mental Health Jeopardy” with one of the categories focused on suicide awareness question and answers. Caregivers and loved ones will benefit from some new information centered on signs and symptoms of someone contemplating suicide as well as strategies to assist them and successfully get help.
Catholic Charities also offers a free service to assist residents of the Metuchen Diocese in receiving support in obtaining mental health services. The Mental Health Navigator will assist individuals who are not sure how to start looking for help by educating them on how to “navigate the mental health system.” This includes helping inform the
an individual who is without insurance places that offer a sliding scale fee, and lastly, offering support to the caller by providing several treatment options that best suit their needs.
For more information about the SPIRIT program or the IFSS program, visit ccdom.org/hunterdon-intensive-outpatient-treatment.
The Mental Health Navigator is easy to access by calling 732-857-3811 in Middlesex County or 908-333-2282 in Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties. For more information about Catholic Charities Diocese of Metuchen, please visit ccdom.org. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call 988 and speak to a helping professional immediately.
Like and Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @ccdom1 to stay updated on upcoming events and ways CCDOM helps clients get the services and assistance they need.
Tiffany Workman is the Communica
By Greg Johnson, Correspondent
Mike Columbo has been around football long enough to know that you can’t try to fit square pegs into round holes.
When his Immaculata High School football team unexpectedly lost quarterback Mason Geis to transfer in May, the Spartans had to pivot. Columbo realized that his offense wouldn’t be able to air it out as much this season, but fortunately he had a versatile senior capable of operating a different scheme.
Columbo, Immaculata’s seventh-year head coach who has been a teacher for 34 years while coaching at various other high schools and colleges, decided to go with the single-wing offense, which he describes as a throwback to the 1950s.
“It’s something that I’ve run extensively at other places, and now losing the passing quarterback, this is what I decided to go back to,” Columbo said. “It’s a unique offense that not too many people run. It’s very hard (for defenses) to simulate. The downside of it is that it’s not really a spread out, passing-style attack. But we’re into trying to control the clock, control the ball, run the ball, keep other teams’ offenses off the field. I think that’s what this change will do for us.”
It certainly paid dividends in Immaculata’s first game of the season against Kellenberg of New York on Aug. 30, as the Spartans rushed for a whopping 356 yards in a 35-21 victory.
Quarterback Cole Hayden carried the ball 24 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns. A pair of tailbacks in junior Nic Strokes and sophomore Jahmier Black combined for 141 yards with one touchdown apiece.
That was even without starting running back Daysir Spille, a junior whom Columbo expected to return from a shoulder injury in mid-September.
“I think that group of guys is gonna be a very strong part of our team,” Columbo said.
After serving as both a rusher and a receiver on the team last season, Hayden now quarterbacks Immaculata’s deceptive rushing attack which features direct
Above, Junior running back Nic Strokes (21) rushed for 99 yards and one touchdown; Right, Sophomore running back Jahmier Black (11) rushed for 42 yards and one touchdown; Below, Senior quarterback Cole Hayden (3) passed for one touchdown and rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns, all during in the season opener against Kellenburg of New York on Aug. 30. —Julia Fenton photos
snaps to multiple players.
“Cole fits that mold for us,” Columbo said. “It’s a whole new look for us and it’s something that I think you embrace. You have to play to the people that you have, and that was the best option for us.”
Another key ingredient is that Immaculata boasts a strong offensive line.
Senior Aaron Melick, who has committed to Lafayette College on a full scholarship, is the leader up front as the one lineman who plays both offense and defense. Senior Luke Gradley (Wesleyan University commit) is another returning starter. Promising first-year starters include junior Gianluca Taddeo, junior Qualee Hardy, senior Mike Urena and senior Trevor Hawkins-Dailey.
“I think our offensive line and our running game is our strength,” Columbo said. “That’s what we’re gonna try to hang our hat on.”
Defensively, Columbo feels the team is strong in the secondary, despite
being young, with standouts like sophomore Quinn Hayden – Cole’s older brother who also caught a touchdown in the season opener – as well as junior Damian Mack and sophomore Micah Smith.
Immaculata also features a stud linebacker in Luke Laub. That senior is another college-bound player who was one of the top tacklers in New Jersey last year.
“He’s a phenomenal player,” Columbo said. “He’s the leader of the defense.”
Other linebackers to watch this fall
are Black, Spille and senior Tylor Cardoso. The front seven within Immaculata’s 4-3 base defense is more of a work in progress, but the goal is to develop into a unit that can create pressure and mismatches.
“We’re gonna come after you in certain spots, but the thing about defense for us is making sure we can get lined up, making sure we run to the ball, and making sure we’re gonna tackle,” Columbo said. “Those are the big things for us.”
Immaculata is also developing a sophomore kicker in Mitch Carr, who connected on all five of his extra-point attempts in the opener and can potentially kick field goals from as far as 30-to-35 yards, according to Columbo.
The Spartans return five starters on offense and four starters on defense from last year’s team that finished 7-4, which so far is the most wins during Columbo’s tenure.
This squad is younger with only nine seniors, but Columbo believes with a fresh identity that it could ultimately reach seven or eight wins. The goal is to eventually win a Non-Public B state playoff game after the Spartans lost a lead with 11 seconds to go against Holy Spirit last year.
“I think it’s a very talented team,” Columbo said.
“We have a lot of speed and a lot of good players, albeit young. But I think as these guys get more and more experience, they’ll get better as we go.”
Immaculata’s next game was at Holy Trinity of New York on Sept. 14. The other games on the schedule are at home vs. Weequahic on Sept. 20, at Shabazz on Sept. 27, at home vs. Hudson Catholic on Oct. 4, at home vs. Snyder on Oct. 11, at Lincoln on Oct. 19, at home vs. West Side on Oct. 25, and at St. Mary of Rutherford on Nov. 2.
The Non-Public B playoffs begin during the second week of November.
Bill Tracy’s goal when he was hired at St. Joseph High School, Metuchen two years ago was to grow the football program, and in turn make the school an even more attractive place for families to send their sons.
That plan is well underway. St. Joe’s had about 65 kids playing football from grades nine through 12 in 2022, and now it has about 90 kids including 60 underclassmen.
“We have a young program,” said Tracy, who also became the school’s athletic director last year. “We’re still kind of the new kid on the block, but we’re working hard on building.”
The reality is that St. Joe’s didn’t even have a football program until 2011, and that has made it difficult to be competitive on the field with the premier non-public schools in New Jersey.
But that might not be the case for much longer. The Falcons are coming off a strong 7-3 season, and even after graduating many key seniors from that team, their improved player development of freshmen and JV kids means there shouldn’t be much drop-off in success from year to year.
“We’re trying to reload,” Tracy said. “We have some really good guys, and that’s what we’re trying to get to is that we have a program that has four-year players in it and kids that can develop and learn the system and then be ready by the time they’re a junior or senior.”
The 2024 Falcons have five captains: senior Ashton Irving, senior Javon Hudson, senior Tyler Huseth, junior Justin Scaramuzzo and junior Brody Picariello.
The team returns four starters on offense and seven on defense, as well as its secret weapon on special teams. Huseth has been so good as a three-year starter for St. Joe’s that Tracy considers the kicking game to be the team’s top strength.
state kicking and punting,” Tracy said of Huseth, who is drawing college interest with his ability to kick field goals from around 50 yards. “He’s very good.”
On offense, Tracy expects the passing attack to be strong with talented weapons led by Irving, who is a third-year starter that plays the split end receiver position. He has been offered a full scholarship from Alvernia University.
“He’s an excellent receiver,” Tracy said. “Good speed, really good ball skills, really goes up for the ball well.
Others to watch are Hudson at fullback along with junior halfback Reggie Bropleh, senior receiver Jacob Pappas and junior tight end Tommy Meyers.
The Falcons are excited about their starting quarterback in Scaramuzzo.
“He’s an old school kind of kid,” Tracy said. “He’s there every day, he’s there early to motivate his teammates if that’s what he has to do. He’s got an excellent arm, he’s accurate, and he can run. So he’s a really good pick for the position, and he wants to help us build something at St. Joe’s.”
The starting offensive line, from left to right, is senior Tyler Bien, senior Nick Faria, Picariello, junior Tommy Kwiatkowski and junior Jason Gross.
Picariello, Kwiatkowski and Gross also start on the defensive line next to Huseth, who plays defensive end.
The starting inside linebackers are Hudson and sophomore Jaylen Frias. Junior Dylan Pierce and sophomore Tristan Bester start at outside linebacker and will also see snaps at skill positions on offense.
Poppas and Bropleh are the starting cornerbacks, while Irving starts at free safety to round out the defense.
“We’re a 4-2-5 defense and we’re pretty multiple in our approach,” Tracy said. “Coach (Joe Riggi) has a good amount of different coverages and pres-
Left, Senior Ashton Irving had two touchdown catches in St. Joseph’s season opener at home against Ridge on Sept. 7. He is a team captain who plays receiver and safety.
Above right, Junior Justin Scaramuzzo, St. Joseph’s starting quarterback, passed for three touchdowns and rushed for one score in the season opener at home against Ridge on Sept. 7.
Right, Bill Tracy is in his third season as St. Joseph’s head coach.
—Photos by gameFACEphotos.org
sures, and he’ll work hard to take away the things that the other team does best. I think if you’re game-planning for us, you’ve got a lot to prepare for when you’re on offense to make sure you pick everything up.”
After scrimmaging in the preseason against Livington and Mount Olive, St. Joe’s opened the regular season at home on Sept. 7 with a 37-34 win against Ridge. Scaramuzzo rushed for one touchdown and passed for three touchdowns to Irving (two) and Pappas (one).
The other games on the schedule are at home vs. Union on Sept. 14, at Elizabeth on Sept. 20, at Westfield on Sept. 28, vs. North Brunswick at home on Oct. 4, at Phillipsburg on Oct. 11, vs. St. Thomas Aquinas at home on Oct. 19, at Woodbridge on Oct. 25, and at home vs. St. John Vianney on Nov. 2.
The opener was an emotional game for Tracy, who was the head coach at Ridge from 2009-19 with much success including a Group V sectional title in 2013. Ridge’s new head coach, Andy West, was once Tracy’s top assistant, and
they remain close friends.
“Some of these kids on their team, I had their older brothers,” Tracy said. “We really worked hard over there — I mean, really hard — together, and I think we built something very special.”
After taking some time off to focus on family and be an assistant coach to his son, Tracy embraced the opportunity for a new challenge at St. Joe’s.
While continuing to build the roster numbers, the plan is to eventually become a two-platoon program where kids can focus strictly on offense or defense, as well as play some games with exclusively sophomores in addition to the freshman and JV teams. Tracy believes both goals are attainable within the next year or two.
“We have great support from the school to try to help make that happen,” Tracy said. “We have a plan. It takes time. You’ve just got to be patient. It takes several years, really, and we’re seeing it happen. We’re probably in the middle now of seeing that happen, which is fun.”
One of the seven deadly
Samson killed Philistines with the jawbone of this animal
Jacob met her at the
“…thy will be done on ___”
Business bigwigs (abbr.)
“What’ll ___?”
What a catechumen participates in (abbr.)
The ___ Sheep
Medieval Spanish chest
Rake
60’s protesters
Madre’s hermana
Black bird, for short
Jenna Marie Cooper, who holds a licentiate in canon law, is a consecrated virgin and a canonist whose column appears weekly at OSV News. Send your questions to CatholicQA@osv.com.
AWhile a spiritual communion might be a praiseworthy aid to one’s spiritual life, it is not the same thing as a physical, sacramental Communion.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the practice, a “spiritual communion” is a prayer expressing one’s desire for deep closeness with Jesus, particularly in situations where it is not possible to receive Communion sacramentally. Making a spiritual communion can be devoutly helpful for many Catholics and can certainly be an occasion for receiving God’s grace.
But this does not mean that the Church considers spiritual communion and sacramental Communion to be exactly the same or interchangeable. And as you note, this is evident in the very wording of many common prayers for spiritual communion. For example, if a spiritual communion was identical to a sacramental Communion, clearly we
QSome people have said a spiritual communion is the same as a sacramental Communion when one has a sincere desire and cannot receive otherwise. If this is so, why do we say, “Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.” Would it count in the case of making a plenary indulgence? (Greensburg, Indiana)
would not be asking Jesus to come “at least spiritually” into our hearts.
One very rough analogy might be talking with our loved ones over the phone or a video call versus being with them in person. Phone calls can be a great way to maintain a relationship with friends or family we cannot see very often, but nothing is quite the same as meeting face-to-face.
Because a spiritual communion is different from a sacramental Communion, normally it would not fulfill the requirements for obtaining an indulgence.
For reference, Canon 992 of the Code of Canon Law describes indulgences as: “the remission in the sight of God of the temporal punishment due for sins, the guilt of which has already been forgiven. A member of Christ’s faithful who is properly disposed and who fulfils certain specific conditions, may gain an indulgence by the help of the Church
which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively dispenses and applies the treasury of the merits of Christ and the Saints.”
Or in other words, the Church uses her authority to “bind and loose” (see Mt 18:18) to apply merits and virtues “stored up” by those in heaven towards our own sanctification or the sanctification of souls in purgatory.
Typically, an indulgence is attached to some pious act, such as making a pilgrimage or doing a work of charity. But to actually earn the indulgence, other conditions must be met. The document “The Gift of the Indulgence” from the year 2000 lists these conditions as: making a sacramental confession and receiving holy Communion; not maintaining an attachment to any kind of sin; and
praying for the Pope’s intentions.
Still, even if a Catholic does not have ready access to daily Mass, this does not mean that they are thereby unable to obtain an indulgence.
For one thing, “The Gift of the Indulgence” indicates that while it is preferable to go to confession and receive holy Communion on the day the indulgence is earned, it is sufficient for these sacraments to be received “within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act.” This document further explains that while it is ideal for the requisite holy Communion to occur in the context of the Mass, even a Communion received outside of Mass would count for the purpose of the indulgence.
“The Gift of the Indulgence” goes on to tell us that “for the sake of those legitimately impeded, confessors can commute both the work prescribed and the conditions required (except, obviously, detachment from even venial sin).” That is, if a Catholic is truly unable to receive Communion through no fault of their own, a priest confessor can adapt the indulgence’s requirement accordingly.
Assumption of Mary. The Diocese of Brooklyn parish is situated on the Rockaway Peninsula, between Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. —OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz
Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.
These are the words a newly ordained deacon hears from his bishop as the Book of the Gospels is placed in his hands. It is a solemn but joyous moment in which the deacon is called to a lifelong pursuit of bearing witness to Christ the Servant.
The foundation of the deacon’s di-
aconate, the very foundation of his ministry, is intimate communion with Christ the Servant. This communion originates and deepens in the interior life, and it is here, through prayer and meditation, where he truly discovers God on a personal level and, at the same time, discovers himself in a more profound way.
In Encountering Christ the Servant: A Spirituality of the Diaconate, Deacon Dominic Cerrato, PhD, offers deacons and deacon candidates an in-
In recent years, there has been a growing theological-pastoral interest in ministerial service and ministries in the Church, with a particular emphasis on the diaconal ministry and role that deacons have in the Church. The Compendium on the Diaconate: A Resource for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons explores how bishops, along with their helpers, the priests and deacons, have taken up the service of community, exercising the divinely established ecclesiastical ministry on different levels. -The Church is ministry, service, diaconia, and it is called to be of service to the many aspects and sectors of the Church.
This volume is a collection of fundamental texts for understanding the roots of the diaconate, understanding its ministerial specificity and its potential for development in today’s world as well as the Church’s pastoral care.
tegrated approach to diaconal life and ministry, rooted in the cultivation of the interior life. In this study, Deacon Dominic outlines the primacy of the interior life, the necessity of abandonment, the sacrament of the present moment, and living the Servant Mysteries.
Entering into a new and more intimate relationship with Christ the Servant will open deacons and deacon candidates to their true identity, and their mission, as heralds of the Gospel of Christ.
By John Mulderig
NEW YORK (OSV News) – What might have happened had the resolutely atheist father of psychoanalysis met the Christian author and apologist who created Narnia? The literate philosophical drama “Freud’s Last Session” (Sony Pictures Classics) speculates on just such an encounter with intriguing, though ultimately unsatisfying, results.
Invited to visit prickly Dr. Sigmund Freud (Anthony Hopkins) at the London home where he has taken refuge from the Nazis, buttoned-up Oxford don C.S. Lewis (Matthew Goode) arrives there on the historic autumn day Britain declared war against Hitler’s Germany in 1939. In between monitoring the news on the radio, the two engage in a prolonged theological debate.
Director and co-writer Matthew Brown’s adaptation of his script collaborator Mark St. Germain’s play – itself derived from the book “The Question of God” by Armand Nicholi – uses the ensuing discussion as a jumping off point for exploring the duo’s disparate life experiences. Lewis, for instance, recalls his emotionally absent father while Freud remembers how forceful his dad was.
The screenplay also examines Freud’s highly complicated relationship with his daughter, and professional heir, Anna (Liv Lisa Fries). One ironic aspect of their intense but tangled connection is Freud’s disapproval of Anna’s romance with her colleague Dorothy Burlingham (Jodi Balfour). Though Freud’s view of sexuality was famously indulgent, this didn’t, apparently, apply to Anna.
The discreet but sympathetic presentation of Anna’s love life, which implicitly points to Freud’s hypocrisy on the subject, is balanced by the fact that Lewis is not demonized for his moral objection to all same-sex activity. This is of a piece with the traditional, scripturally-based view of marriage he espouses.
Sober in tone and weighty in its subject matter – Freud is facing imminent death from jaw cancer – the picture is more intent on laying out the arguments than guiding viewers toward any conclusion. While both sides get a fair hearing, the wrap-up, although dramatically well-rounded, feels intellectually incomplete.
What, some moviegoers may wonder, was the point of the whole exercise? On the upside, at least the two principals maintain an air of mutual respect and enjoy some humorous moments together. Overall, this is unusually intelligent fare, though some may find it a bit talky and – an interlude set in the trenches of World War I aside –somewhat stagebound.
The film contains mature themes, including lesbianism and suicide, a combat sequence with some gore, brief sensuality, at least one use of profanity, several milder oaths and a crass expression. The OSV News classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
John Mulderig is media reviewer for OSV News. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @JohnMulderig1.
By Joseph McAleer
NEW YORK (OSV News) – A cautionary tale unfolds in “The Iron Claw,” (A24) based on the true story of the rise and fall of an all-American wrestling family.
In the expanding universe of professional wrestling in the 1980s, the Von Erich clan from Texas was the stuff of legend. Patriarch Fritz (Holt McCallany), a one-time champion, built an empire around his four strapping sons: Kevin (Zac Efron), David (Harris Dickinson), Mike (Stanley Simons) and Kerry (Jeremy Allen White). “The Iron Claw” leaves out a fifth son, Chris.
Success in the ring does not come easy, and Fritz more than earns his “Nazi heel” moniker. In fact, he changed the family name from Adkisson to Von Erich to project an evil atmosphere. Domineering and relentless, he pounds his sons into submission, playing favorites, hurling insults and encouraging sibling rivalry.
His God-fearing wife, Doris (Maura Tierney), refuses to intervene, turning instead to prayer. She is still mourning the tragic loss of their first-born son, who drowned at six years old.
Fritz’s motivation is a selfish one – to acquire for the family the world championship title he never won. He teaches his sons his signature move, the “iron claw,” a vice-like grip of the opponent’s head, applying pressure to the skull and temples until, writhing in pain, he submits.
Initially, Fritz’s sinister methods bear fruit, and the script follows the progress of the four brothers on the professional circuit. David and Kevin are a successful double act, until Fritz chooses the less-talented David to wrestle for the championship, to Kevin’s dismay.
Sensitive Mike, who prefers music to sport, is a reluctant entry into the family business, bullied into acquiescence by his father.
Meanwhile, Kerry has chosen a different path, becoming a successful discus thrower. When his hopes for Olympic glory are dashed due to the 1980 embargo, Kerry honors his father and enters the ring. His rise is meteoric, even after his foot is amputated (amazingly, knowledge of his prosthetic foot, inside a boot, is hidden from the public).
At the heart of the story is the now-popular myth of the “Von Erich Curse.” As narrator, Kevin tellingly explains, “Ever since I was a child, people said my family was cursed. Mom tried to protect us with God. Dad tried to protect us with wrestling. He said if we were the toughest, the strongest, nothing could ever hurt us. I believed him. We all did.”
They were wrong, as writer-director Sean Durkin reveals in heartbreaking detail, and championship belts are acquired at unfathomable personal cost. Of all the brothers, only Kevin eventually begins to see the truth and a way out, thanks to his perceptive new wife Pam (Lily James).
Viewers should be warned that “The Iron Claw” showcases every one of the Seven Deadly Sins in excess, and is not for the squeamish. However, the movie has its merits, with important life lessons for thick-skinned grown-ups, from the over-glorification of sports heroes to the consequences of greed, envy and pride. The film contains mature themes, including suicide, implied premarital sex and masturbation, brief rear male nudity in a nonsexual context, drug use, at least one profanity and a few rough terms. The OSV News classification is L – limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association rating is R – restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Joseph McAleer is a guest reviewer for OSV News.
Diocesan Hispanic Bible School; The Diocese of Metuchen launched a new cycle of the Hispanic Bible School. The School offers nine basic courses: Introduction to the Sacred Scriptures, Pentateuch, Historical Books, Prophets, Sapiential Literature, Gospels, Pauline Letters, Catholic Letters, Revelation; each one of seven sessions. Classes, which began on Sept. 14, will be held in person on Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. Donation: $35 per person. For more information contact Lescobar@diometuchen.org.
National Black Catholic Congress Diocesan Informative Day, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., St. Matthias Parish, 168 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Somerset. For more information and/or to register please visit: www.diometuchen.org/humanlifeanddignity or call 732-562-1543 or email amarshall@ diometuchen.org
Mass, N.J. March for Life – 9:30 Mass, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Trenton, 11 a.m., rally at the Statehouse with speakers; noon, march around the Statehouse. For more information visit: https://marchforlife.org/newjersey/ or contact: jruggiero@diometuchen.org or amarshall@dio metuchen.org
Respect Life Sunday, Life Chain – 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Please consider joining the prayerful, peaceful, public witness for the sanctity of all human life. The Life Chain will be held 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. rain or shine. For locations contact: amarshall@diometuchen.org
Surviving Divorce Program For men and women seeking healing from separation or divorce. This 8-week program, while based on the teachings of the Catholic Church, is open to anyone who needs comfort, counsel and clarity after a divorce. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. beginning Oct. 2 at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, 146 Metlars Lane, Piscataway, NJ. For more information or to register contact Rachelle Hanna at rachelle.hanna@gmail.com.
Feminine Genius Brunch – 9:30 – 12:30 p.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway. This event is for women of all ages. Dianne M. Traflet, associate dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and assistant professor of Pastoral Theology at Seton Hall University will present a program on, “Responding to the World’s Darkness: Inspiration from Women Saints”. Cost is $25 per person. For more information and/or to register please visit: www.diometuchen.org/humanlifeanddignity or call 732-562-1543 or email amarshall@diometuchen.org
Silver & Gold & Five Year Wedding Anniversary Celebration – Couples celebrating their 25th, 50th or 5th wedding anniversary are invited to renew their marriage vows with Bishop James F. Checchio at a special 3 p.m. Evening Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. Registration is required. To register visit: https://www.diometuchen.org/silver-and-gold-anniversary-celebration
Youth Minister Meet Up & Formation Day – 9:30 – 2 p.m., St. John Neumann Pastoral Center. This day is intended to train, encourage, connect, and renew individuals in roles in ministry to youth. All who minister to youth or want to learn more about youth ministry are invited to attend. The day will include the opportunity to come together in fellowship, receive training as well as attend Mass. Cost is $15. To register visit www.diometuchen.org/ymtraining. For questions call Jennifer at 732243-4574; jruggiero@diometuchen.org.
Marriage Encounter Weekend - a time and tools to revitalize romance, deepen communication and nourish in your marriage. For information and application call Tom & Ruth DeFalco at 1-732-9049636 or visit: www.wwme.org.
Willing to buy your home or townhouse in as-is condition. Quick 30 day cash closing. I’m a Licensed realtor in the State of NJ. Eugene “George” Pantozzi 908-392-2677 (call or text) georgepantozzi@hotmail.com
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
The Diocese of Metuchen is seeking a freelance photographer to cover important events throughout the diocese, particularly the Bishop’s pastoral visits. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of how to appropriately photograph liturgical events in the Diocese and assist the Office of Communications and Public Relations, as well as The Catholic Spirit. Interested candidates should contact Adam Carlisle at acarlisle@diometuchen.org.
The Catholic Spirit, the official newspaper of the Diocese of Metuchen, seeks a Graphic Designer to assist with the layout and design of its publication. The ideal candidate will have Adobe InDesign and Photoshop experience in a PC environment, be familiar with all aspects of electronic publishing, be well-organized and reliable, and have a proven track record of meeting deadlines. Interested candidates should forward their resume to hr@diometuchen.org.
Adoration and Mass at Pastoral Center – Now that the pandemic is over, Bishop Checchio would like to offer Eucharistic adoration at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Monday through Friday, from 9:00-11:45 a.m. As St. Pope John Paul II noted. “The Church and the world have a great need of Eucharistic adoration.” Anyone who is interested in signing up should contact Angela Marshall at amarshall@diometuchen.org
Bible Study in a Year – This virtual women’s group will be following Father Mike Schmitz’s “Bible in a Year” podcast and meeting each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom to discuss insights from the week. For details or to participate contact Cristina at: cdaverso@ diometuchen.org
Lectio Divina for Couples & Families – This virtual program for couples and families is held two Thursdays per month at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. The program includes praying a meditative reading of a short scripture passage. For questions and more details, contact cdaverso@diometuchen.org
Immigration Talks - The Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry will be resuming immigration talks in coordination with Catholic Charities. If your parish is interested in hosting an immigration talk, email: lescobar@diometuchen.org and indicate the best day for an immigration talk to your parish and community.
Sept. 19-21 – Healing the Whole Person – Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi. This event is for individuals who want to deepen their relationship with Jesus, as well as people who have forgiven but are still experiencing negative emotion or feel like they bring the same sins to confession, again and again. Speakers will include: Dr. Bob Schuchts, Bart Schuchts and Sister Miriam James, SOLT. Cost is $165 in person or $119 livestream. Scholarships available. Online registration opens June
17 at 10 a.m. at: JPIIHEALINGCENTER.org. For more information contact: JPIIRetreatMetuchenNJ@gmail.com
Sept. 23-Oct.3 - Pilgrimage to Spain, featuring Fatima, Lourdes, Barcelona. Hosted by Father Edmund Luciano III. $3899 FROM NEWARK (Air/land tour price is $3379 plus $520 gov’t taxes/airline surcharges). Featuring: Roundtrip airfare from Newark; first class/select hotels; most meals; comprehensive sightseeing with a professional tour guide; entrance fees and hotel service charge. For more information call the parish office of the Church of the Sacred Heart, South Plainfield, at 908-7560633 or email at info@churchofthesacredheart.net.
Oct. 1, 7 p.m. - A healing Mass with Father John Campoli, I.V. Dei, will be held at Our Lady of Peace Church in North Brunswick. All are welcome to attend this Mass and celebration of God’s healing love and mercy. This Mass is sponsored by the Parish Columbiettes. Father John has conducted healing Masses, retreats, parish missions, and Days of Recollection in the United States, England, Ireland, Trinidad, Belize, and the Middle East. OLOP Church is located at 1730 US Hwy 130, North Brunswick. For more information please see: https://www.frjohncampoli.com/
Oct. 13 – 7 p.m. Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, Candlelight Procession gathering at 501 New Market Road, Piscataway. Commemorating the 107th anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun” and the apparition of Our Blessed Lady and Saint Joseph in Fatima, Portugal on Oct. 13, 1917. For information call 732-968-5555.
Oct. 26, 8 p.m.- Our Lady of Lourdes Knights of Columbus, Council 6930, Whitehouse Station presents: Twelfth Annual Comedy Night, Saturday, Oct. 26 8 p.m. Featuring Jim Dailakis, Joey Novak and Steve Shaffer. Three accomplished comedians come together for a night of fun and laughter! Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 390 County Road 523 Whitehouse Station. $50 per person. Doors open at 6:30, Dinner service runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m. For reservations and information contact: Jim Siessel at 917-903-2174; email: jimsiessel@yahoo.com or Bill Murphy at 908-500-2999, email: wkmurphy@att.net.
Saint Peter’s University Hospital has done it again. For three years in a row, we’ve been named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals by Newsweek.
From a hospital-based, midwifery-led birth center to a state-designated Regional Perinatal Center with a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for high-risk births, our experienced team delivers exceptional care. To learn more about maternity services, visit saintpetershcs.com/maternity
That’s treating you better...for life.